Nursing home abuse is always tragic and often compounded by the fear or inability of the victims to communicate what is happening to them. That is why we at Grazian and Volpe are always pleased to see justice served to those who do not take care for the safety and well-being of our elderly.
A state court jury in Tennessee awarded $8 million in damages including $5 million in punitive damages to the estate of a retired surgeon whose legs were broken while he was in the care of Treyton Oak Towers, a nonprofit nursing home.
Dr. David Giffen died less than two months after he was improperly transferred from a chair into his bed. After Dr. Giffin’s legs were broken he was put back in bed “like it didn’t happen” according to the court transcript. Employees were ordered to change medical records and cover up the incident. Because of a stroke, Dr. Giffin was unable to communicate what had happened or the agony he was experiencing.
After being found with the two broken bones, Dr. Giffen was treated at the hospital and later transferred to a different nursing home. He died less than 6 weeks later. Dr. Griffen had severe osteoporosis and the nursing home said doctors failed to inform its employees of this diagnosis. It was determined that Dr. Griffin was transferred without a lift and by only one nursing assistant, in violation of the nursing home’s care plan, which required two nursing assistants.
This verdict should serve as a warning to all nursing homes. Once again, Grazian and Volpe strongly recommends that family members be ever vigilant for the care and safety of their loved ones in nursing homes. It is always better to stay safe, but if you can’t stay safe-stay with Grazian and Volpe, Chicagoland’s Injury Lawyers for over 30 years.
