Coronavirus Outbreaks Devastate Two Broward County Elder Care Facilities

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on May 17, 2020

Multiple states from around the nation, including Florida, have started the process of transitioning into the “new normal” admist the coronavirus pandemic by phasing in the reopening of beaches, restaurants, gyms, hair salons, and other recreational businesses. And while a majority of residents appear to be in agreement with this decision, many more are still struggling with whether or not this move is too soon for the Sunshine State’s elderly population.

According to the latest data released by the Florida Health Department regarding the number of COVID-19 cases in the state, two Broward County elder care facilities are at the epicenter of an incredible increase of coronavirus outbreaks. As of Friday, May 15th, the Manor Pines Convalescent Center and the Nspire Healthcare Lauderhill facilities in Wilton Manors recorded a whopping 181 patients who tested positive for the deadly disease, with 28 fatalities.

Worried relatives of residents at these elder care centers have expressed their increasing concerns over the lack of information and transparency that is being provided to them in regards to their loved ones. To make matters worse, family members from the Nspire Healthcare Lauderhill in particular have also stated that they believe there is a discrepancy in the number of deaths that are being reported, and that families aren’t being informed when they do occur. Documents from the Broward County Medical Examiner indicate that there have been 5 deaths due to COVID-19, however, statistics retrieved from the Florida Health Department’s coronavirus database say that only one person has passed away at that specific facility.

Carl Young, the grandson of an 89-year-old COVID-19 patient living at Nspire Healthcare Lauderhill, reached out to 7News Miami in hopes of bringing a spotlight to the shady situation. “You have a large number of families left in the dark. We are not being provided information…I’m sure I am not alone in all of this. I am not the only one calling Channel 7 wanting help to get answers, so hopefully something can get done to help, not just my grandmother, but every resident,” he told the local news outlet.

At the time of this writing, approximately 665 nursing home and assisted-living residents in Florida have been infected with the coronavirus, and 319 have sadly lost the fight. If you or a loved one have been affected by a COVID-19 outbreak at a nursing home, please contact the Law Offices of James O. Cunningham, P.A. today at 877-FL-INJURY to schedule a free initial consultation.

Sources:

• Family speaks out about COVID-19 discrepancies at grandmother’s Lauderhill nursing homes
• Coronavirus outbreaks: 28 dead, 181 diagnosed at 2 nursing homes in Broward County

James O. Cunningham

Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.