Amidst the disaster and destruction brought about by Hurricane Irma, Rehabilitation Center at Hollywood Hills, a nursing home in Hollywood, Florida, lost power leaving more than 150 of its residents without air conditioning. Eight of the Center’s residents died from respiratory distress, dehydration, and heat-related issues, with some patients feeling temperatures up to 106 degrees after the air conditioning system failed during the Hurricane.
Among the surviving residents was Rosa Cabrera, who’s legal guardian has filed a lawsuit against the Center alleging “negligence and reckless indifference” toward its elderly residents. The complaint alleges that as the storm approached, the Center told her and other residents that they would not be evacuated, but would be safe and cared for at the nursing home. The residents were never once told that the Center lacked a generator to power its air conditioning system in the event of power failure.
The complaint further contends that the Center should have known that the storm would cause a power outage, and that if power was lost, that temperature inside the nursing home would be unsafe and dangerous for the residents.
In a statement, the Florida Department of Health said that it is the full responsibility of health care professionals to preserve life by acting in the best interest of the health and well-being of their patients. Additionally, given the fact that the Center is located directly across the street from one of Florida’s largest hospitals-which never lost power during the Hurricane-the Department has stated that these eight tragic and senseless losses at the Center are also the subject of a criminal homicide investigation by law enforcement.
If you or someone you know has been affected by the negligence or recklessness of a nursing home or other professional medical facility, it is important to find a skilled law firm with experience handling these cases. The law firm of Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner is the oldest personal injury firm in Texas, and our attorneys are standing by to assist with your claim. Call us today at (713) 222-7211 or 713-222-7211 for your free consultation.