"Like Taking the Innocent to Slaughter": Colorado Nursing Home Sued
Trinidad State Nursing Home, located in Trinidad, Colorado, faces a wrongful death lawsuit arising out of the death of Josephine Sicacca.
Mrs. Sicacca's husband, Frank, and her sons, Jerry and Michael, allege that mistreatment by Trinidad led to her October 24, 2007 death. The lawsuit alleges that as a result of the facility's "knowing and/or intentional actions", Ms. Sciacca suffered and died. More specifically, the lawsuit alleges the following:
- Failure to heal and prevent reopening of a pressure sore;
- Failure to encourage feeding and hydration;
- Failure to treat and prevent stomach pain;
- Failure to maintain and accurately document medical records that were free of tampering and fraudulent documentation.
The Sicacca's attorney, Chip Portales, alleges that the nursing home facility is only interested in receiving their monthly Medicaid reimbursement and has a "you can't touch us attitude". He estimates tha the facility receives approximately $5500 per month per resident.
Wrongful death lawsuits against the State of Colorado are fairly uncommon due to the low cap on potential damages, which is $150,000. The Sicacca's attorney says, "This lawsuit is about accountability and exposing the Trinidad nursing home. Colorado doesn't have a statute that protects the elderly - we should have something. If this occurred in a day care, they'd be locked up."
The Terry Law Firm is experienced in handling cases of nursing home abuse and neglect. Please contact us with any questions or concerns at (888) 317-2525 or visit our website at www.nursinghomejustice.com.
