Joanne Bourne has filed a compelling lawsuit against a nursing home and its management company, accusing them of negligence leading to the wrongful death of her husband, Robert Bourne. The complaint was filed on April 11, 2025, in the Circuit Court of the 15th Judicial Circuit in Palm Beach County against Wellington Rehab and Health Center, LLC, doing business as Luxe at Wellington Rehabilitation Center, and Citadel Care Centers, LLC. Joanne Bourne is acting as the personal representative for the estate of her late husband.
The lawsuit details a series of allegations against both defendants. According to Joanne Bourne's filing, Robert Bourne was admitted to the facility for care due to ongoing medical conditions and cognitive changes. During his stay, he was allegedly at risk for various preventable injuries such as skin breakdowns, falls, wandering, infections, malnutrition, and dehydration. The complaint accuses the nursing home staff of failing to provide adequate care and supervision which led to these risks materializing into real injuries. It is alleged that these injuries persisted until Robert Bourne's death on December 18, 2024.
Joanne Bourne claims that both defendants violated Chapter 400 of Florida Statutes by not adhering to the standards set for operating nursing homes. The complaint lists numerous failures on part of the defendants including inadequate staffing levels, insufficient training for employees, failure to maintain hygiene standards, improper response to medical conditions like pressure ulcers and infections among others. As per the lawsuit, these failures resulted in serious injuries including pressure sores requiring colostomy surgery and ultimately contributed to Robert’s untimely death.
In seeking justice for her husband's demise, Joanne Bourne is asking for damages exceeding $50,000 exclusive of costs and attorney fees. She demands compensation under wrongful death statutes covering medical bills incurred before Robert’s passing away along with funeral expenses. Additionally she seeks damages for loss of companionship suffered by herself as well as other survivors from Robert’s estate due to his premature death caused by alleged negligence.
Representing Joanne Bourne in this legal battle is William J Sarubbi from Senior Justice Law Firm based out of Boca Raton Florida who has certified good faith basis behind bringing forth this action against defendants involved herewith mentioned case ID being: 502025CA003456XXXAMB overseen by Judge Charles E Burton.