Parent Company of Defunct Iowa Nursing Home Sued for Second Time
Meadowlawn Health Care Center of Davenport, an Iowa nursing home that is now closed, has been sued for a second time since it closed in late 2007.
Harold Edwards resided at the facility from November 2006 through March 2007. He was discharged from the facility and dropped off at an unfurnished apartment with only $30 to his name and a four day supply of medication. Nine days later, he was hospitalized with congestive heart failure. His hospitalization resulted in the installation of a cardiac defibrillator.
His lawsuit against Petersen Health Care, the owners of the defunct facility, accuses the facility of wrongful discharge, breach of contract, dependent adult abuse, failure to properly administer medications, insufficient staff, and inappropriate behavior when he complained about the care he received. He also is alleging emotional distress after seeing other residents harmed.
Trina Curtis also sued Petersen Health Care on behalf of her deceased mother, Janet Martin. That lawsuit alleges that staff failed to properly manage Ms. Martin's wounds and refer her to appropriate medical care. Ms. Martin developed "uncontrolled health issues", which included life-threatening medical complications from her wounds and improper diet and hydration. She died on January 24, 2006, a mere three weeks after leaving Meadowlawn.
Meadowlawn Health Care Center of Davenport closed in September 2007 after its Medicare and Medicaid funding were revoked and its license was in jeopardy. It had received several fines in the past, including a $12,000 fine for moving residents out with little or no notice as the facility was closing.
