Professional Negligence Law Reporter

Rosemarie Bisesi had a long history of chronic and severe dysphasia, which affected her ability to eat and swallow. As a result, she was at high risk of food aspiration, necessitating constant assistance from caregivers while eating.

She was admitted to Golden LivingCenter Doylestown as a full-time resident in September 2014. Several months later, staff placed Bisesi’s breakfast tray in front of her while she was still in bed and left her alone in her room to feed herself without supervision or assistance. She was unable to swallow the food, which she then aspirated into her lungs. She suffered oxygen deprivation and cardiac arrest, leading to her death five days later. She is survived by her three children.

Bisesi’s son, on behalf of her estate, sued the nursing home’s owner, among others, alleging negligence and consumer protection violations. The plaintiff sought punitive damages.

The parties settled for $140,000.

Citation: Bisesi v. GGNSC Holdings, LLC, No. 2017-00151 (Pa. Ct. Com. Pl. Bucks Cnty. Mar. 27, 2023).

Plaintiff counsel: John S. Bagby Jr., Paoli, Pa.