A second wrongful-death lawsuit has been filed against Parkridge Specialty Care nursing home in Pleasant Hill, Iowa, following the death of Kerry Morris, who passed away just five days after his admission in 2022. The lawsuit alleges negligence and seeks unspecified damages for wrongful death and medical malpractice.
Key Takeaways
- The lawsuit is filed by the family of Kerry Morris, who died at age 58.
- Morris was admitted for rehabilitation after a leg amputation.
- The nursing home has a history of staffing violations and inadequate care.
Background of the Case
Kerry Morris was admitted to Parkridge Specialty Care on August 19, 2022, for rehabilitation following a leg amputation. Just four days later, he experienced severe respiratory distress. According to the lawsuit, a certified nursing assistant, John Mandela, noticed Morris gasping for breath and sought help from registered nurse Patricia Egbuna. However, Egbuna reportedly prioritized her medication rounds over immediate assistance.
Allegations of Negligence
The lawsuit claims that during the critical moments when Morris was in distress, he was left unattended. After Mandela sought help from licensed practical nurse Charity Tucker, she also delayed her response, stating she would assist after tending to another resident. This delay allegedly led to Morris falling out of bed and going into cardiac arrest.
- Key Events:
- August 23, 2022: Morris shows signs of respiratory distress.
- Nursing Staff Response: Egbuna and Tucker fail to provide timely assistance.
- Cardiac Arrest: Morris falls and goes into cardiac arrest due to lack of care.
Emergency Response Issues
The lawsuit details a chaotic scene when Morris went into cardiac arrest. Staff members reportedly struggled to locate a crash cart containing essential medical equipment. Video evidence suggests that multiple staff members were present but did not assist Morris effectively. A Pleasant Hill police officer eventually arrived and took over chest compressions, but by then, significant time had elapsed.
- Timeline of Events:
- 10:25 PM: Paramedics arrive and transfer Morris to Iowa Methodist Medical Center.
- August 24, 2022: Morris dies in the hospital due to delays in care.
Previous Violations and Complaints
Parkridge Specialty Care has a troubling history of staffing issues and has been cited multiple times for insufficient staffing and inadequate medical care. The Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing has investigated the facility numerous times, leading to several state and federal citations.
Legal Proceedings
In response to the lawsuit, Care Initiatives, the corporate parent of Parkridge, is seeking to dismiss the case, citing an arbitration agreement signed by Morris upon admission. The family argues that the agreement is invalid due to the circumstances surrounding its signing and the timing of Morris's death within the revocation period.
Other Lawsuits Against Parkridge
This lawsuit is the second wrongful-death claim against Parkridge in recent months. The first was filed by the family of Neuang Boun Sisamouth, who died in June 2022 after alleged negligence by the nursing home staff. Both cases highlight ongoing concerns about the quality of care at Parkridge and the accountability of its management.
As these legal battles unfold, the families of the deceased seek justice for their loved ones, while the nursing home faces increasing scrutiny over its practices and policies.
Sources
- Second wrongful-death lawsuit filed against Iowa nursing home • Iowa Capital Dispatch, Iowa Capital Dispatch.
- Second wrongful-death lawsuit filed against Iowa nursing home | Tn Exchange | newspressnow.com, News-Press NOW.
- Second wrongful-death lawsuit filed against Iowa nursing home | News From The States, News From The States.
