A tragic case has emerged from Palm Beach County, Florida, where the family of a deceased nursing home resident is suing the facility for alleged negligence and wrongful death. On August 14, 2024, Jimmy Benedict, acting as the personal representative of the estate of Rome Duane Benedict III, filed a complaint against Darcy Hall Medical Investors, LLC (doing business as Darcy Hall of Life Care) and Life Care Centers of America, Inc., in the Circuit Court of the 15th Judicial Circuit.
The lawsuit accuses Darcy Hall Medical Investors and Life Care Centers of America of failing to provide adequate care to Rome Duane Benedict III during his stay at their nursing home in Palm Beach County. According to the complaint, Benedict was admitted to the facility for care and supervision due to ongoing medical conditions and cognitive changes. The plaintiff alleges that despite being vulnerable and dependent on staff for daily activities, Benedict suffered preventable injuries such as untreated infections, sepsis, and painful pressure wounds. These injuries allegedly persisted until his death on January 30, 2024.
The complaint outlines several specific allegations against both defendants. It claims that Darcy Hall Medical Investors employed nurses and caretakers responsible for providing care to residents but failed in numerous ways. These failures include not preventing physical injury and abuse, not properly assessing or responding to skin breakdowns and infections, not preventing falls or unsupervised ambulation, and not maintaining proper hygiene or nutrition for residents. The plaintiff asserts that these negligent actions directly led to Benedict's suffering and eventual death.
Similarly, Life Care Centers of America is accused of having control over critical aspects such as budgeting, staffing levels, hiring practices, policies, and procedures at the facility. The complaint states that this management company failed in its duty to ensure reasonable operation and care at the nursing home. Specific accusations mirror those against Darcy Hall Medical Investors: failure to prevent injuries and infections; inadequate response to health issues; insufficient supervision; poor hygiene maintenance; lack of proper nutrition; failure to follow physician’s orders; among others.
Jimmy Benedict seeks damages exceeding $50,000 for wrongful death under Chapter 400 rights violations as outlined by Florida Statutes. The plaintiff demands compensation for medical bills, funeral expenses, loss of net accumulations along with mental pain and suffering endured by survivors due to the loss of companionship from their loved one.
Representing Jimmy Benedict is attorney Dylan J. Hanson from Senior Justice Law Firm based in Boca Raton. The case has been assigned Case Number 502024CA007671 XXXAMB Div: AA.