In a heart-wrenching case that underscores the importance of adequate elderly care, a lawsuit has been filed against a nursing home for alleged negligence leading to the death of an elderly resident. Patrick Casimir, as the personal representative of the estate of Marie-Jose Latortue, filed the complaint in Palm Beach County's 15th Judicial Circuit Court on July 1, 2024, accusing Terrace of Boca Raton, LLC d/b/a Menorah House of failing to provide proper care and supervision.
Marie-Jose Latortue was an adult resident of Palm Beach County who suffered from age-related infirmities impairing her ability to care for herself. The lawsuit claims that during her residency at Menorah House, she developed severe infections and sepsis due to inadequate care plans and poor monitoring by the staff. The plaintiff asserts that these failures directly led to Latortue's deteriorating health and eventual death on September 16, 2023.
The complaint outlines numerous allegations against Menorah House. It accuses the facility of not providing essential healthcare services such as proper turning programs to prevent wounds, adequate bedding and protective devices, timely recognition and treatment of developing wounds, and sufficient hygiene practices to prevent skin breakdowns from prolonged contact with feces and urine. Furthermore, it alleges that Menorah House failed to protect Latortue from unexplained injuries and did not provide appropriate supervision or update her care plan adequately.
Patrick Casimir argues that these lapses are violations under Florida Statute §400.022 which mandates specific rights for nursing home residents including protection from mental and physical abuse, compliance with healthcare regulations, and dignified treatment. The lawsuit claims both direct liability for these failures as well as vicarious liability for actions taken by employees or contractors under Menorah House’s control.
The plaintiff is seeking compensatory damages for a range of harms suffered by Marie-Jose Latortue including loss of dignity, bodily injury, pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, mental anguish, inconvenience, loss of capacity to enjoy life, medical expenses incurred before her death. Additionally, Casimir seeks compensation for the survivors—Latortue’s children Patrick Casimir Jr., Frantz Jr Latortue, and Melissa Latortue—for lost support services and parental companionship.
Represented by Ford Dean & Rotundo P.A., specifically attorney William A. Dean Esq., the plaintiff demands a jury trial on all triable issues. The case ID is: 502024CA006159XXXAMB Div: AA.