Professional Negligence Law Reporter

Thomas Handzus, 75, who suffered from dementia, schizophrenia, malnutrition, and other ailments, was admitted to Meadowview Rehabilitation and Nursing. During his approximate three-month stay, he experienced weight loss, aggressive behavioral disturbances, and confusion, and also left the facility unsupervised. It became necessary for him to be transferred to a behavioral health unit for psychiatric care.

After returning to the nursing home, Handzus fell and hit his head. Following a hospitalization, he was transferred to hospice care and died several days later. He is survived by his son.

Handzus’s estate filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Meadowview Rehabilitation. The plaintiff claimed that the defendant had failed to implement proper plans for Handzus’s nutrition, hydration, and behavioral issues.

The parties settled for $90,000.

Citation: Handzus v. Meadowview Rehab. & Nursing Ctr., No. 2019-12396 (Pa. Ct. Com. Pl. Montgomery Cty. Dec. 8, 2020).

Plaintiff counsel: Jeffrey M. Rosenbaum and Denise M. Moscariello, both of Philadelphia.