A lawsuit has been filed against a nursing home and its management company, alleging severe neglect and mistreatment leading to the wrongful death of a resident. On July 30, 2024, Darline Dinnall, acting as the personal representative of the estate of Clotilde Clerisier, filed a complaint in the Circuit Court of the 15th Judicial Circuit in Palm Beach County, Florida, against Sovereign Healthcare of Boynton Beach LLC and Southern Healthcare Management LLC.
The complaint details numerous allegations against both defendants regarding their care for Clotilde Clerisier while she was a resident at their facility. According to the filing, Clerisier was admitted to the nursing home for supervision due to ongoing medical conditions and cognitive changes. The plaintiff claims that during her stay, Clerisier was at risk for preventable injuries such as skin breakdowns, falls, infections, malnutrition, and dehydration. Despite this known risk, it is alleged that the defendants failed to provide necessary care and supervision.
Darline Dinnall accuses Sovereign Healthcare of Boynton Beach LLC (doing business as Boynton Beach Rehabilitation Center) and Southern Healthcare Management LLC of violating Chapter 400 of Florida Statutes. Specific allegations include failing to prevent physical injury and abuse, inadequate assessment and prevention measures for skin breakdowns and infections, failure to supervise residents properly, neglecting to maintain clean common areas free from hazards, not informing family members about serious changes in condition or injuries sustained by residents, and failing to provide appropriate nutrition and hydration.
As a result of these alleged failures in care, Clotilde Clerisier suffered multiple preventable injuries including pressure wounds, infections, falls resulting in seizures due to medication mismanagement, dehydration, malnourishment—and ultimately death on February 6th. The plaintiff argues that these injuries directly resulted from negligence by both defendants.
The lawsuit seeks various forms of relief from the court. For wrongful death damages under Florida's wrongful death statute—including medical bills incurred before death—funeral expenses—and compensation for mental pain suffered by survivors like Darline Dinnall who have lost companionship with their loved one. Additionally—should it be determined that Clerisier’s injuries did not cause her death—the estate seeks survival damages covering non-economic losses such as pain & suffering experienced before passing away—as well as economic costs related directly back towards hospitalizations or treatments received during this period.
Representing Darline Dinnall is attorney Garrick D. Harding from Senior Justice Law Firm based out Boca Raton FL while Judge Charles E Burton presides over case number 502024CA007156XXXAMB Division AG within Palm Beach County Circuit Court system.