Coronavirus Wrongful Death Lawsuits Filed Against Florida Nursing Home

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on March 29, 2021

As the coronavirus pandemic started its worldwide devastation last spring, nursing homes across the United States were among the first to experience an outbreak of COVID-19 in the country. Although the earliest documented case has been traced back to a long-term care center in King County, Washington, the assisted living facilities here in Florida also faced a rapid increase of infections due to the fact that nearly 20% of the state’s population is over 65 and are therefore highly susceptible to the deadly disease. One such facility is the Opis Coquina Center in Central Florida which now faces a smattering of lawsuits accusing them of negligence and wrongful death.

Beginning on February 20^th, 2021, the families of 6 different Florida nursing home residents began filing lawsuits against the Opis Coquina Center in Ormond Beach alleging that the long-term living facility failed to properly protect its high-risk residents against the coronavirus which ultimately resulted in the deaths of their loved ones. Specific allegations against the center include “delay of care” and “failing to maintain adequate hygiene and failing to monitor significant symptoms of an infection.” Furthermore, the “Coquina Center LLC individually and collectively controlled, oversaw and orchestrated every single aspect of Helen A. Kastner’s existence, from what clothing she wore to what health care she would receive and how much food and water she would consume,” according to the wrongful death lawsuit filed on behalf of the estate of Mrs. Kastner who passed away on November 25^th, 2020.

The second wrongful death lawsuit against the Opis Coquina Center involves Roy Peron; a long-term resident of the nursing home who died on April 13^th, 2020, from “hypoxic respiratory failure and COVID-19 as a result of the facility’s breach of duties,” the lawsuit alleges. The nursing home has since filed a motion to dismiss the case stating that Mr. Peron signed a contract with the facility stating that if he were to have a legal dispute involving the center, that it would be handled in arbitration, not at trial.

The disastrous trick-down effects and heart-breaking impact of the coronavirus will undoubtedly continue for many years into the future. If you would like additional information regarding COVID-19 lawsuits, please contact the Law Offices of James O. Cunningham, P.A. today at 877-FL-INJURY to schedule an appointment.

Sources:

• Families of six Ormond Beach Opis Coquina Center residents sue over COVID deaths
• Families file lawsuits against Volusia County nursing home over COVID-19 deaths

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.