A lawsuit filed by the Estate of Christine Evelyn Panza alleges severe negligence and wrongful death against a prominent healthcare facility and its affiliates. The complaint, lodged by Eugene B. Panza, the personal representative of Christine Evelyn Panza's estate, was submitted to the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida on September 17, 2024. The defendants named in the case include Manor Care of Palm Harbor FL, LLC; HCR ManorCare Inc.; HCR Manor Care Services, LLC; ProMedica Employment Services, LLC; HCR Healthcare, LLC; ProMedica Health System, Inc.; Welltower Inc.; and Su Reynard-Suriano.
According to court documents, Christine Evelyn Panza was admitted to ManorCare Health Services Palm Harbor on March 5, 2023. She remained there until her discharge on March 9, 2023. The plaintiff alleges that during her stay at the facility operated by Manor Care of Palm Harbor FL, LLC and managed by several other entities including HCR ManorCare Inc., Ms. Panza was subjected to gross negligence which ultimately led to her suffering significant harm and subsequent death on March 11, 2023.
The lawsuit details multiple instances where the defendants allegedly failed in their duty of care towards Ms. Panza. It is claimed that they did not properly supervise staff or ensure adequate staffing levels to meet residents' needs. Furthermore, it is alleged that they endangered residents by accepting more patients than they could adequately care for in order to maximize revenue. Specific accusations include failing to provide a safe environment for Ms. Panza, neglecting significant changes in her condition without proper medical response or notification to her treating physician, and not developing an adequate care plan tailored to her needs.
In addition to these claims of negligence leading up to Ms. Panza's death, the complaint also accuses Su Reynard-Suriano—the administrator at ManorCare Health Services Palm Harbor—of exploiting a vulnerable adult under Florida Statutes §415.1111. It is alleged that Reynard-Suriano misused funds intended for Ms. Panza’s care for other purposes.
The plaintiffs are seeking various forms of relief from the court including damages exceeding $50,000 for non-lethal negligence claims such as pain and suffering endured by Ms. Panza before her death as well as expenses related to hospitalization and medical treatment incurred due to the alleged negligence. They are also pursuing survival damages for lethal negligence which resulted in Ms. Panza’s death along with wrongful death damages aimed at compensating Eugene B. Panza for loss of companionship and protection among other losses suffered due to his spouse’s demise.
Representing the plaintiff is A. Lance Reins from Mendes Reins & Wilander PLLC while the case will be presided over by Judge Pamela A.M Campbell under Case Number:24-004178-CI.