Professional Negligence Law Reporter

James Swedenburg was admitted to Aiken Regional Medical Center, where he was diagnosed as having an ischemic colon. Although Swedenburg required assistance with activities of daily living and transfers, he was allegedly left, at times, to turn and reposition himself. While hospitalized, he developed a Stage II pressure sore on his coccyx, which worsened to Stage III. He also developed pressure sores on his heels. After about six weeks, he was admitted to Azaleawoods Rehab & Nursing Center for short-term rehabilitation. There, he developed multiple other pressure sores to his lower extremities and was later transferred back to the hospital, where he was diagnosed as having a large sacral pressure ulcer. He underwent a debridement and testing, which revealed sepsis. Swedenburg died of his condition within a month. He is survived by his daughter.

She sued Aiken Regional Medical Centers, LLC; Azaleawoods Operating, LLC; and others, alleging negligent failure to provide adequate skin care, prevent Swedenburg’s pressure ulcers, and provide sufficient nutrition and hydration, among other things.

The parties settled for $650,000.

Citation: Swedenburg v. Azaleawoods Operating, LLC, No. 2018CP0200171 (S.C. Ct. Com. Pl. Aiken Cty. Mar. 9, 2020).

Plaintiff counsel: AAJ members Matthew Christian and Joshua Christian, both of Greenville, S.C.