In a gripping legal battle that highlights the vulnerabilities of nursing home residents, a lawsuit has been filed against two companies accused of negligence leading to the wrongful death of an elderly resident. On November 19, 2024, Marcie Sutliff, acting as the personal representative of her father Raymond Stanley Davis's estate, lodged a complaint in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County against Meadowpark Operations, LLC and Citadel Care Centers, LLC.
The case centers around allegations that Meadowpark Health and Rehabilitation Center, managed by Citadel Care Centers, failed to provide adequate care for Raymond Stanley Davis during his residency at their facility. The complaint details how Davis was admitted to the nursing home for care related to ongoing medical conditions and cognitive changes. Despite being at risk for preventable injuries such as skin breakdowns and falls, it is alleged that the facility neglected its duty to provide necessary supervision and assistance. According to Sutliff's filing, this negligence resulted in Davis suffering from severe pressure injuries and malnutrition before his death on December 10, 2023.
Sutliff accuses both Meadowpark Operations (referred to as "LICENSEE") and Citadel Care Centers (referred to as "MANAGEMENT") of violating Florida Statutes Chapter 400 which governs nursing home operations. The lawsuit outlines numerous failures by the defendants including inadequate staffing, poor hygiene practices, failure to follow physician orders, and lack of timely medical intervention. It asserts that these breaches directly contributed to Davis's suffering and eventual death.
The plaintiff seeks compensatory damages exceeding $50,000 for wrongful death under Florida’s wrongful death statute. This includes claims for medical expenses incurred due to neglect, funeral costs, loss of companionship suffered by surviving family members like Carolyn Davis (the surviving spouse), and other damages permissible under state law. Additionally, should it be determined that Davis’s injuries did not cause his death but were due to negligence during his life at the facility, Sutliff also seeks survival damages covering pain and suffering endured by her father prior to his passing.
Representing Marcie Sutliff is attorney William J. Sarubbi II from Senior Justice Law Firm based in Boca Raton. The case has been assigned Case Number: 24-005085-CI with Judge Ken Burke presiding over proceedings in Pinellas County.