Professional Negligence Law Reporter

Patrick DeLauri Jr. suffered from numerous health problems, including diabetes, cirrhosis, and kidney disease. Approximately eight months into his admission at Sentara Nursing Center-Chesapeake, he was sent temporarily to a hospital’s intensive care unit. He was later discharged to return to the nursing home, and this allegedly was communicated to the home’s administrator. Nevertheless, when he returned to the home, he was denied readmission. Staff also allegedly refused to allow him to retrieve his possessions, medications, or wheelchair and threatened to arrest him for trespass, claiming that he had left the hospital against medical advice. DeLauri died that week and is survived by his two children, former wife, and brother.

DeLauri’s estate sued the nursing home and affiliated entities, alleging negligent failure to accommodate DeLauri’s special needs, coordinate effective care, and allow him into the facility upon his return from the hospital.

The parties settled for $150,000.

Citation: DeLauri v. Sentara Nursing Ctr.-Chesapeake, 2021 WL 1747784 (Va. Cir. Ct. Chesapeake City Jan. 12, 2021).

Plaintiff counsel: Andrew Sacks, Norfolk, Va.