Professional Negligence Law Reporter

Ruth Belardino was admitted to the Luther Woods Nursing and Rehabilitation Center from May 2017 to August 2017 for treatment of a lower leg decubitus ulcer and cellulitis. At the time of her admission, she was noted to be at high risk for development of pressure sores and in need of assistance for most activities of daily living.

During Belardino’s admission, she suffered an unwitnessed fall in her room, which resulted in fractures to her right hip and knee. After treatment at a hospital, Belardino returned to the nursing facility and was immobilized. She then suffered multiple pressure sores, which became infected and necessitated debridement and hospital treatment. Her condition declined, and she died that October.

Belardino’s estate sued Luther Woods and its owner and operator, alleging negligent failure to prevent Belardino from developing additional pressure sores and failure to adopt fall prevention protocols. The plaintiff asserted that the defendant’s staff had failed to monitor Belardino and failed to rotate, turn, or reposition her. Suit also claimed corporate negligence.

The parties settled for $175,000.

Citation: Belardino v. Luther Woods SNF LLC, No. 2019-16034 (Pa. Ct. Com. Pl. Montgomery Cty. Oct. 14, 2020).

Plaintiff counsel: Christopher J. Culleton, Newtown, Pa.