Professional Negligence Law Reporter

Sarah Alam, a minor with a compromised immune system, lived at The Wanaque Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation. An adenovirus outbreak occurred at the facility, and Alam developed a fever and respiratory issues that necessitated extensive treatment at a hospital. Thirty-five other residents also contracted adenovirus.

Alam’s mother, individually and on her behalf, and Alam’s father, individually, sued the center and others, alleging the defendants lacked proper infection prevention and control standards and failed to contain and control the outbreak. The plaintiffs also asserted that the defendants had failed to timely notify them about the outbreak or transfer Alam to an acute care facility. Suit also alleged that nurses at the facility practiced poor hand hygiene and failed to disinfect surfaces.

The plaintiffs and defendants reached a settlement in the case for more than $479,200.

Citation: Alam v. Wanaque Ctr. for Nursing & Rehab., No. PAS-L-001210-20 (N.J. Super. Ct. Passaic Cnty. June 21, 2022).

Plaintiff counsel: AAJ member Paul M. da Costa, Roseland, N.J.