New York
Nassau jury awards $5.5 million to family of 91-year-old who fell in a nursing home
A Nassau County jury awarded $5.5 million to the daughters of a 91-year-old woman who fractured her hip at a Uniondale nursing home, the second verdict of that size against the same home this year, Newsday reported.
Key facts
- Newsday reported on September 25 that a Nassau County jury awarded $5.5 million to the family of Lucy Riker, a 91-year-old Franklin Square woman who died in hospice weeks after being admitted to Townhouse Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing in Uniondale.
- Her daughters' attorney contends a hip fracture she suffered there was caused by chronic understaffing and negligent care, after aides did not respond to her request for help going to the bathroom.
- The September 18 verdict in State Supreme Court is the second $5.5 million award against the facility this year; a July verdict involved a 71-year-old woman whose death was linked to a bedsore.
What happened
Newsday reported on September 25 that a Nassau County jury awarded $5.5 million to the family of Lucy Riker, a 91-year-old Franklin Square woman who died in hospice weeks after being admitted to Townhouse Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing in Uniondale. Her daughters' attorney contends a hip fracture she suffered there was caused by chronic understaffing and negligent care, after aides did not respond to her request for help going to the bathroom.
The September 18 verdict in State Supreme Court is the second $5.5 million award against the facility this year; a July verdict involved a 71-year-old woman whose death was linked to a bedsore. The attorney said they are the highest verdicts ever against a Nassau nursing home. Attorneys for the 280-bed facility did not respond to Newsday's request for comment.
What it means for families
Falls and slow responses to call bells are among the most common worries families raise. Visiting at different times, and writing down what you see, gives you facts to raise with staff.
For example: if your mother tells you she waited a long time for help to the bathroom, note the day and time and ask the nurse manager what the home's response time standard is.
Quick answers
What did the Nassau jury award in the nursing home case?
Newsday reported on September 25 that a Nassau County jury awarded $5.5 million to the family of Lucy Riker, a 91-year-old Franklin Square woman who died in hospice weeks after being admitted to Townhouse Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing in Uniondale. Her daughters' attorney contends a hip fracture she suffered there was caused by chronic understaffing and negligent care, after aides did not respond to her request for help going to the bathroom.
What to do this week
- Ask the nursing home what its fall prevention plan is for your relative and when it was last updated.
- Visit at different times of day, and note how long call bells take to be answered.
- If concerns continue, contact the New York State Department of Health or the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program.
Sources
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