The Estate of June Bastian has filed a compelling lawsuit against a senior living community and its associated entities, alleging severe negligence and misconduct that led to the untimely death of Ms. Bastian. The complaint was filed by Diane R. Chisholm, the personal representative of the estate, in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida on July 2, 2024.
According to the court documents, June Bastian was admitted to Elison Senior Living Community of Pinecrest on August 18, 2023, and remained there until her discharge on September 2, 2023. The plaintiff accuses Bishop Pinecrest Lessee LLC, Sagora Senior Living Inc., Bishop Senior Living REIT LLC, and Karen McFarlin of gross negligence and multiple violations of Florida statutes governing elder care. Diane R. Chisholm asserts that these entities collectively failed to provide adequate care for Ms. Bastian, leading to her suffering significant physical and emotional distress before her death on September 8, 2023.
The lawsuit details numerous allegations against the defendants. It claims that they breached their duty to ensure proper staffing levels and failed to supervise staff adequately. The complaint also accuses them of failing to provide a safe environment for Ms. Bastian and neglecting essential medical care needs such as monitoring changes in her condition and notifying her treating physician when necessary. "Defendants each knew or should have known that the above-described failures occurred or were likely to occur thus exposing June Bastian to injury," states one part of the filing.
The plaintiff is seeking various forms of relief from the court including damages for pain and suffering endured by Ms. Bastian prior to her death, medical expenses incurred during her stay at Elison Senior Living Community of Pinecrest, funeral costs, and other related expenses. Additionally, Chisholm seeks punitive damages for what she describes as willful neglect by the defendants aimed at maximizing profits at the expense of resident care.
Representing The Estate of June Bastian is attorney Kyle D. Ross from Mendes Reins & Wilander PLLC based in St. Petersburg, Florida. The case is presided over by Circuit Judge Pamela A.M Campbell under Case Number: 24-002956-CI.