In a compelling case of alleged nursing home neglect, the family of a deceased resident is taking legal action against a healthcare facility. Kathleen Carfagno, acting as the personal representative of her mother Catherine Carfagno's estate, filed a complaint on December 13, 2024, in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida. The lawsuit targets Palm Garden of Largo, LLC and Palm Healthcare Management, LLC.
The lawsuit accuses Palm Garden of Largo and its management company of failing to provide adequate care for Catherine Carfagno during her stay at their facility. According to the complaint, Catherine was admitted for short-term rehabilitation on January 26, 2023. However, during her residency, she suffered from deteriorating health conditions that were allegedly neglected by the nursing staff. The plaintiff claims that despite clear signs of respiratory distress and infection—evidenced by elevated white blood cell counts and x-ray results showing airspace disease—Catherine did not receive timely medical evaluation or appropriate treatment. She was only administered two doses out of a prescribed three-day antibiotic course before being transferred to Morton Plant Hospital on February 14, 2023. Unfortunately, she passed away on March 5, 2023.
Kathleen Carfagno alleges that the defendants violated several statutory duties under Florida Statute Chapter 400 and failed to uphold residents' rights as mandated by law. The complaint outlines numerous failures including negligent hiring and supervision of staff, inadequate documentation and communication with healthcare providers, improper medication administration, and insufficient staffing levels which compromised patient care. "Palm Garden of Largo's continued failure to properly notate her respiratory status led to a delay in treatment," reads one section of the complaint.
The plaintiff seeks survival damages for pain and suffering endured by Catherine prior to her death as well as wrongful death damages for loss experienced by surviving family members. These include compensation for medical expenses incurred due to inadequate care at the facility along with funeral costs. Additionally sought are damages for mental anguish suffered by Kathleen Carfagno due to losing her mother prematurely.
Representing Kathleen Carfagno is attorney Joshua Machlus from Your Insurance Attorney PLLC based in Maitland, Florida. The case is presided over by Judge Ken Burke under Case Number: 24-005481-CI.