Virginia Injury Law Blog
A jury recently returned a verdict in a class-action lawsuit totaling nearly $619 million against one of the largest nursing home chains in the country. Skilled Healthcare Group, Inc., which owns and operates nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, rehabilitation therapy businesses, and hospice homes, was sued for egregious and repeated violations of health codes in several states and for failing to keep staffing levels adequate. “This is a really strong statement to Skilled Healthcare that they have to follow the law,” said the plaintiffs’ attorney who delivered the closing arguments in the case. “They need to know that they are going to be held responsible.”
Although the jury has returned its verdict, the judge still needs to decide whether the court will issue an order that would require the company to keep staffing as required by law in the future. “I’m so thankful for this,” said the daughter of a former resident, who added that while it may be too late for her father to receive justice, she hopes the lawsuit makes things better for future patients. “We just want our loved ones to be taken care of.”
Pierce & Thornton has handled cases in Virginia, including cases in Norfolk, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach, Hampton, Newport News, Williamsburg, Suffolk, and the Eastern Shore involving nursing home negligence. We are also licensed to practice in North Carolina. The attorneys at Pierce & Thornton have tried, mediated and settled cases involving the incorrect administration or dosage of medication, falls, bed sores, decubitus ulcers resulting in respiratory arrests, myocardial infarctions, heart attacks, infections, brain damage, paralysis and wrongful death. We encourage you to contact our firm if you question the care rendered to you, a family member, or friend at a nursing, assisted living, rehabilitation therapy, or hospice facility.