Life Care Centers of America Charged With Manslaughter - Part II
In the wake of the pending manslaughter charges against Life Care Centers of America, who has pled not guilty, Massachusetts lawmakers want to toughen manslaughter penalties for corporations. The current fine amount, which is $1,000, dates back to 1819. Lawmakers believe that, given the severity of the Julia McCauley case, the current law is grossly inadequate. In that case, Julia McCauley was found dead at the foot of the facility's front stairs with her wheelchair overturned. The facility allegedly failed to ensure that she was wearing her WanderGuard bracelet that would have set off an alarm and locked doors if she got too close to an exit.
Attorney General Martha Coakley supports a bill that would increase the fine to $250,000, which is merely a suggested amount to serve as a starting point for legislative discussions. "Corporations do not go to jail, but they do respond to monetary fines," Coakley said.
