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FLORIDA RECORD

Thursday, November 7, 2024

Grieving Father Sues Boca Raton Rehabilitation Center Over Son's Death

State Court
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A grieving father has filed a lawsuit against a rehabilitation center, alleging negligence that led to his son's death. On August 5, 2024, Willard Merkle submitted the complaint in the Circuit Court of the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit in Palm Beach County, Florida, targeting FI-Boca Raton LLC d/b/a Boca Raton Rehabilitation Center (BRRC), Sun Coast Nursing Centers Inc., and Florida Institute for Long Term Care LLC.

The case revolves around Christopher Merkle, who was admitted to the Boca Raton facility on April 24, 2022. Christopher had a complex medical history including Type 2 Diabetes, Epilepsy, and Chronic Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs). Despite being at high risk for UTIs due to his use of a catheter, the facility allegedly failed to provide adequate care. According to the complaint, "the nursing staff at the Facility knew or should have known that Mr. Merkle was at high risk for UTIs." The plaintiff claims that proper protocols were not implemented to monitor fluid intake and output or provide necessary hydration and catheter care.

On June 4, 2022, Christopher developed a catheter-associated UTI and was subsequently diagnosed with sepsis at a hospital. Although he received intravenous antibiotic treatment and was released home, his health deteriorated rapidly by July 31, 2022. He was then diagnosed with a severe staph infection and died on August 25, 2022. The cause of death included cardiopulmonary arrest due to chronic kidney disease on dialysis and sepsis with recent hospitalization.

Willard Merkle accuses BRRC of failing to meet industry standards for care and alleges that their negligence directly caused his son's untimely death. The complaint states that BRRC made "the conscious decision each day to agree and participate in the failure to provide care that complied with applicable standards." Similar accusations are made against Sun Coast Nursing Centers Inc. and Florida Institute for Long Term Care LLC.

The plaintiff seeks monetary damages exceeding $50,000 for loss of companionship and support from his son as well as mental pain and suffering. Additionally, he demands compensation for medical expenses incurred by Christopher's estate along with funeral costs.

Representing Willard Merkle is Samantha Epstein from Smith Clinesmith LLP based in Dallas, Texas. 

The Case Number is: 502024CA007352XXXAMB Div: AJ.

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