Nursing Homes Settle Suit Over Pressure Ulcers
Two nursing homes in Missoula, Montana have settled a lawsuit filed by a former patient’s family for wrongful death. The two suits settled after almost a full week of trial was complete; the cases settled for an undisclosed amount with the family of a man that died while under nursing home care in 2005. The family of Mr. Ralph Seewald claimed in the suit that the two medical providers, Riverside Health Care Center and the Village Health Care Center were negligent in failing to provide adequate care for Ralph Seewald. The family alleges that the care given to Seewald did not meet the standards promised by the nursing homes.
Mr. Seewald fell, fracturing his neck during a transfer from his wheelchair, an accident that confined him to his bed. Unfortunately, this state allowed him to develop, he then developed severe pressure ulcers that became increasingly problematic over a period of months, and led to a fatal case of gangrene in his leg.
The Seewald family sought relief for negligence, medical malpractice, wrongful death, deceit, breach of contract, fraud and others. Through the lawsuit, the family sought compensation for pain and suffering, mental anguish, severe emotional distress, grief, sorrow, medical and funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other damages caused by the defendants’ alleged negligence. The family also sought punitive damages.
