Assisted Living

Professional Negligence Law Reporter

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Failure to Report Bathroom Fall, Provide Medical Assistance

September/October 2019

Reese v. Harbison Hall Partners, No. 2018-CP-40-04266 (S.C. Ct. Com. Pl. Richland Cnty. Apr. 3, 2019).

Louise Reese, 100, lived at Harbison Hall Assisted Living. While an employee of the facility was assisting Reese in getting up from the commode, she dropped her to the floor. Reese suffered bilateral femur fractures; however, the employee placed Reese back in her bed and covered her up.

When a hospice aide arrived to see Reese, Reese was moaning in pain and had severe swelling and bruising around her knees and lower thighs. X-rays revealed the femur fractures. Although Reese was transported to a hospital for treatment, she died the next day. Reese’s estate sued Harbison Hall, alleging its employee failed to protect Reese while moving her from the commode to a wheelchair, call for help or a medical evaluation, and report the fall to Reese’s family. Suit also alleged inadequate staff training.

The plaintiff and defendant reached a settlement in the case in the amount of $475,000.

Plaintiff counsel: AAJ members Wes B. Allison and Justin Kahn, both of Charleston, S.C.; and David Farrell, Columbia, S.C.