A New Orleans long-term care facility is being sued in Orleans Parish Civil District Court for negligence related to the suffocation death of a resident. Mary E. Jacob was found dead outside of Dear's Serenity House in New Orleans on New Year's Day 2011. Jacob, who was purportedly totally disabled as a result of a congenital brain disorder, died of asphyxiation from a plastic bag found lodged in her mouth. The lawsuit alleges the care facility was aware Jacob required round the clock supervision and care but instead its employees neglected her. In the complaint, Jacob's legal representative accused Dear's Serenity House of failing to maintain proper housekeeping, failing to properly supervise Jacob, and failing to provide her with sufficient emergency care and adequately render first aid. The lawsuit seeks damages for Jacob's conscious pain and suffering, wrongful death, and lawyer's fees. Although the case was filed by Jacob's legal representative, any recovery would go to her son. Nursing home, hospital, or assisted living facility abuse occurs when the elderly or disabled are injured or die as a result of negligence or other mistreatment in a care facility. Most care facility liability cases are the product of negligence, but they may also be the result of physical or sexual abuse, a failure to provide adequate food or medical care, the administration of incorrect medication, and emotional distress. Often, care facility abuse results from unqualified or improperly trained staff. Signs of nursing home or long-term care facility abuse may be difficult to detect. Depression, loss of appetite, bruises, broken bones, accidents, bed sores, and missing personal items may all be signs of abuse. An abused resident may also complain of mistreatment to loved ones. In order to safeguard the rights of the elderly and disabled, it is essential to take such complaints seriously. If you believe a loved one or other person close to you may be the victim of abuse at the hands of a facility tasked with their care, it is important to report your suspicions. An experienced Louisiana personal injury attorney may also be able to help you defend their rights. J. Price McNamara is a practiced and qualified Baton Rouge nursing home liability lawyer who handles cases across Louisiana including New Orleans, Lafayette, Mandeville, Terrebonne, Jefferson, Kenner, Orleans, East Baton Rouge, West Baton Rouge, Ascension, Lafourche, and St. John Parishes. If you believe someone close to you has been the victim of negligence or abuse by a facility tasked with their care, call J. Price McNamara today at (866) 248-0580. You may also contact him through his website to schedule a free initial consultation.
J. Price McNamara
Attorney
Losing my own brother, then my father and sister after long, disabling illnesses just a few months apart drove a career change for me. Before that experience, I never truly understood the place you’re in. I never understood the dramatic impact that receiving (or not receiving) the disability and life insurance benefits you paid for and counted on can have on your life especially when you need to focus on family and healing. What I experienced with my own family now drives the way I view my clients and my work, and I will never forget it!
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