A widower is alleging that nursing home neglect led to the death of his wife of 61 years, Johnnie Esco. Don Esco sued El Dorado Care Center and its parent company Horizon West for elder abuse and wrongful death in connection with his wife's death. KCRA.com reports that 77-year-old Johnnie Esco was treated for pneumonia at Marshall Hospital and then went to El Dorado Care Center in Placerville. Her stay at the nursing home was supposed to be temporary while she recuperated. After two weeks at the center, her health deteriorated and she had to be sent back to the hospital, where she passed away. Don Esco claimed that the substandard care she received at El Dorado lead to her death.
Substandard Care
California Department of Public Health officials determined that the nursing home had failed to contact the family of her condition, failed to consult with a physician and failed to provide the level of care required. The state fined the facility $18,000 for its negligence. The nursing home's employees admitted during taped depositions that the facility was understaffed.
My heart goes out to the Esco family for their loss and the emotional trauma they must have suffered. My thoughts and prayers are with them.
The Problem of Understaffing in Nursing Homes
Understaffing is one of the primary causes of nursing home negligence and abuse in this country. According to a 2003 report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), at least one in five of all nursing homes in the United States are deficient. The most common personal injuries that neglected nursing home patients suffer include weight loss, pressure sores and broken bones. Horizon West has been issued 195 citations and over $700,000 in fines over the last five years in their 27 nursing homes, the report states.
Anyone who fears or suspects that their loved one is being abused or neglected would be well advised to contact a California personal injury lawyer. A skilled injury lawyer will better advise nursing home negligence victims and their families, and help them understand their legal rights and options. Families who believe they have lost a loved one due to negligence could file a wrongful death claim to recover damages such as funeral costs, medical expenses, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages.
Do you have a loved one in a nursing home? What are your biggest concerns about the type of care your loved one is receiving?
The BISNAR|CHASE personal injury law firm is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.
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