A tragic case has emerged from Palm Beach County, Florida, involving the alleged neglect and subsequent death of an elderly resident at a local nursing home. On July 24, 2024, Monica Hardemon filed a complaint in the Circuit Court of the 15th Judicial Circuit in Palm Beach County against Hamlin Terrace Foundation, doing business as Hamlin Place.
The lawsuit stems from the care provided to James I. Hardemon Jr., who was a resident at Hamlin Place until his death on April 27, 2022. Monica Hardemon, acting as the personal representative of her father's estate, claims that the nursing home failed to provide adequate healthcare and supervision. According to the complaint, James I. Hardemon Jr. suffered from various infirmities due to aging and required significant assistance with his daily care.
The plaintiff alleges that during his residency at Hamlin Place, staff members neglected their duties by failing to develop and update appropriate care plans for Mr. Hardemon. This neglect allegedly led to severe wounds and infections that required multiple hospitalizations and debridements. The complaint details numerous instances where the nursing home purportedly failed in its responsibilities: "Failing to properly provide a turning program for the prevention of wounds," "Failing to adequately clean [him] to prevent skin breakdown due to continual contact with feces and urine," and "Failing to protect [him] from foreseeable harm."
Monica Hardemon's lawsuit accuses Hamlin Place of violating Florida Statute §400, which sets standards for operating nursing homes. She contends that the facility's negligence directly contributed to her father's suffering and eventual death. The plaintiff is seeking damages exceeding $50,000 for loss of dignity, pain and suffering, medical expenses, and other related costs.
The complaint also highlights that Hamlin Place did not respond within 75 days to a notice of intent to sue sent by Monica Hardemon on April 10, 2024. As per Florida law under §400.0233, this lack of response is deemed a rejection of the claim.
Monica Hardemon is represented by attorney Eva E. Golabek from Schwartz Jambois law firm based in Chicago, Illinois.
The case has been assigned Case Number: 502024CA006972XXXAMB Div: AJ.