A second wrongful-death lawsuit has been filed against Parkridge Specialty Care nursing home in Pleasant Hill, Iowa. The family of Kerry Morris, who died just five days after being admitted to the facility in 2022, is seeking damages for wrongful death, medical malpractice, and negligent supervision of staff. Damages refers to the material and emotional losses that a wrongful death plaintiff suffers (in this case, the family). A Des Moines, IA wrongful death lawyer focuses on helping families take legal action, including pursuing damages, against the party that caused their loved one’s death.
Morris, 58, was admitted to Parkridge on August 19, 2022, for rehabilitation following a leg amputation. According to the lawsuit, just four days later, he began experiencing severe difficulty breathing. A certified nursing assistant, John Mandela, noticed Morris struggling and sought help from registered nurse Patricia Egbuna. However, Egbuna reportedly prioritized her medication rounds, instructing Mandela to consult another nurse, Charity Tucker. After waiting for assistance, Morris was left alone in respiratory distress and later fell from his bed, going into cardiac arrest.
Mandela reportedly found Morris on the floor and began chest compressions, but a lack of proper medical equipment and inadequate CPR technique, captured on video, may have contributed to his death. After more than an hour of delay, paramedics transferred Morris to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead the following day.
The lawsuit claims that Parkridge’s insufficient staffing, as evidenced by numerous violations, contributed to the tragedy. The nursing home had been cited for inadequate staffing in multiple inspections, including in the months leading up to Morris’s death. In response, Care Initiatives, the facility’s corporate parent, is seeking the case’s dismissal based on an arbitration agreement Morris signed upon admission.
This case is one of two wrongful-death lawsuits filed against Parkridge in recent months, with another stemming from the death of Neuang Boun Sisamouth in 2022. Both lawsuits highlight concerns about inadequate care and staffing at the facility.
Protecting Your Loved One From Nursing Home Abuse
If your family member dies due to nursing home abuse, a lawyer can help you seek justice and compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit. Nursing home abuse can take many forms, including physical harm, emotional abuse, neglect, or medical malpractice. When these factors lead to a loved one’s death, a wrongful death action can hold the responsible parties accountable and provide financial relief for the family.
A lawyer specializing in wrongful death cases will start by thoroughly investigating the circumstances surrounding the death. This may involve gathering evidence such as medical records, witness statements, and expert testimony to establish a direct link between the nursing home’s negligence or abusive practices and your loved one’s death. If signs of neglect, improper care, or intentional abuse are identified, the attorney will work to prove that these actions directly contributed to the fatal outcome.
Your lawyer will handle all aspects of the legal process, from filing the lawsuit to negotiating with insurance companies and representing you in court. They will seek compensation for various damages, including funeral expenses, medical bills, loss of companionship, and emotional distress. At Des Moines Injury Law, we handle all legal aspects of pursuing your wrongful death claim, so you and your family can grieve in peace. If you have lost someone in a manner like this, you have our deepest sympathies. Please call our offices today for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help.
