Family Awarded $7 Million in Damages Against Arkansas Nursing Home
The Minor family found justice recently in an Arkansas courtroom for the death of John Minor. His family, which included his wife, stepdaughters, and grandson, sued Sevier Healthcare, Inc. and its facility management company, Regional Management, Inc., in 2005 for their roles in his death due to negligence, violation of Arkansas' long-term care law, and wrongful death.
John Minor was admitted to the facility in August 2002. While there, he suffered from malnutrition and dehydration, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, and kidney failure. Moreover, at the time of his death, he had approximately 35 bedsores and it was impossible to embalm him.
The family sought damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of life, and funeral expenses. The Court awarded the family $3.5 million in compensatory damages and $3.5 million in punitive damages. However, there is a chance that the family will not get any of the money from the judgment as both Sevier Healthcare and Regional management have filed for bankruptcy.
Patrick Minor, John Minor's grandson said, "We were satisfied with the court's decision. We hope no one ever has to suffer through what my grandfather did."
The facility, located in DeQueen, Arkansas, is now operating under new ownership with a new name.
