Key Takeaways

  • Unexplained Severe Injuries: The resident endured a pattern of horrific, undocumented injuries, including fractures, bite marks, and MRSA-infected wounds, indicating severe systemic neglect.
  • Documented Staff Abuse: Staff members were caught on cell phone video physically assaulting the vulnerable resident (throwing shoes, pulling hair) and instigating fights, which was later exposed by a local news broadcast.
  • Litigation & Settlement: Faced with irrefutable video evidence and years of intensive litigation, the facility’s insurers agreed to a settlement that now funds the client’s ongoing care in a safer facility.

Securing Justice for a Vulnerable Resident

In this tragic case, our client was a resident of a congregate group home for developmentally disabled adults where she suffered various unexplained injuries including fractures, bite marks, bruising, and wounds infected with MRSA. More shockingly, she suffered physical and psychological abuse by numerous staff members, and some of their abuse was recorded on a cell phone that was discovered by a local news station who broadcast the video. The video shows a staff member throwing shoes at the resident, violently yanking her onto the couch by her hair, and facilitating a fight between residents. After years of intensive litigation, the group home’s insurers realized they could not successfully try the case and resolved it. Those funds continue to provide benefits to our client in her new group home.

About The Author

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Debbie Warner

Debbie Warner is a managing partner at Warner & Warner, specializing in complex personal injury, wrongful death, medical malpractice, and nursing home negligence/neglect cases. She is a top-rated trial lawyer known for ethical and aggressive representation and compassionate approach to clients. Debbie received her law degree from Florida State University College of Law in 1998 and has since obtained numerous verdicts and settlements of over a million dollars. Debbie is a member of the American Justice Association, Florida Justice Association, Central Florida Trial Lawyers Association, Orange County Bar Association, Seminole County Bar Association, and the Seminole County Inns of Court, and Seminole County Florida Association for Women Lawyers.

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