Nursing home cleared of liability in $114 million lawsuit.

A nursing home in New York has recently won a significant legal battle against a class-action lawsuit that threatened to cost the facility a whopping $114 million in damages to residents. The lawsuit, filed by nearly 900 individuals who alleged negligence and inadequate staffing, was decided in favor of Sapphire Nursing Home by jurors in an Orange County court.

Represented by a White Plains, NY law firm, the residents sought substantial compensation for their claims, which were initially filed in 2018. However, the attorneys for the Goshen, NY nursing home have expressed relief after the jury rejected the plaintiffs’ claims. Caitlin Robin, an attorney representing Sapphire, emphasized that the facility felt vindicated following a lengthy and costly legal battle.

One of the key factors that contributed to the favorable verdict for Sapphire was their decision to engage experienced class counsel and present compelling pretrial evidence in support of their defense, particularly regarding their staffing practices. By calling upon testimony from key staff members, such as the administrator, director of nursing, and managing member of the operator, the defendants were able to counter allegations of understaffing and demonstrate their ongoing efforts to increase staffing levels.

On the other side, the law firm Finkelstein, Blankinship, Frei-Pearson & Garber, which represents the plaintiffs, has three other class-action suits pending against Sapphire. In one particular case, residents and their families have alleged that the quality of care at the facility deteriorated following an ownership change, resulting in neglect and inadequate staffing levels. Details from court documents include claims of residents being served cold food, not provided with sufficient bathroom and bathing opportunities, and left unattended for extended periods leading to bedsores and other issues.

Interestingly, similar class-action claims have been observed in different parts of the U.S. In December, the US District Court for the Central District of California approved a class-action settlement in the case of Heredia vs. Sunrise Senior Living. This case was notable for involving deceptive staffing practices in assisted living communities, which led to an $18.2 million final settlement. The allegations focused on residents not receiving the necessary services despite paying for them, resulting in significant risks to their well-being.

The legal victory for Sapphire Nursing Home in New York signifies a significant development in the long-standing battle between providers and residents over issues of negligence and staffing in long-term care facilities. This case sets a precedent for how such disputes are resolved and sheds light on the importance of maintaining adequate staffing levels and quality of care in nursing homes across the country.