Professional Negligence Law Reporter

Atkinson Holmes, who had a history of falling and used a wheelchair, was admitted to Spring Meadows of Lansdale. He was subsequently diagnosed as having dementia, necessitating that staff check on him frequently. Early one morning, a nurse was called to Holmes’s room, where she found him lying on the floor, confused. After a visit to the hospital, Holmes returned to the nursing home. The following month, Holmes was again found on the floor of his room. He was transported to a hospital, where he was diagnosed as having suffered a subdural hematoma.

Following a hospitalization, he was readmitted to Spring Meadows. Holmes required oxygen and refused to eat upon his return. His condition deteriorated, and he suffered fatal cardiac arrest. Holmes, 86, is survived by his three adult children.

Suit against Spring Meadows of Lansdale alleged claims for negligence, corporate negligence, wrongful death, and survival. Among other things, the plaintiff claimed that the defendant had failed to properly monitor Holmes, provide adequate staffing, and prevent him from falling by providing bed railings and alarms.

The plaintiff and defendant reached a settlement in the case for more than $98,200.

Citation: Holmes v. Spring Meadows of Lansdale, No. 2017-21282 (Pa. Ct. Com. Pl. Montgomery Cty. Oct. 21, 2020).

Plaintiff counsel: AAJ members Jerry A. Lindheim and Caroline D. Bar, both of Philadelphia.