Resident Died of Malnutrition and Dehydration at Manitowoc Facility

The family of an 82-year-old man who died after he suffered severe malnutrition and dehydration at St. Marys at Felician Village has sued the Manitowoc nursing home for wrongful death.

The lawsuit, filed in Manitowoc County Circuit Court, claims that administrators and staff were negligent because they failed to provide Donald Meyer with adequate nutrition and hydration to sustain his life.

According to the complaint and state records, Meyer was admitted to St. Marys in August 2009 for rehabilitation following a stroke. He came to St. Marys able to eat and drink.

During admission the facility’s dietician calculated daily minimum requirements for food and fluids which the facility’s staff were to provide to Mr. Meyer.

The facility’s records show that Mr. Meyer didn’t receive his daily requirement of fluids and calories from day one, causing Mr. Meyer to lose 14 pounds in the week preceding his death.

Upon the family’s request, Mr. Meyer was transferred to Holy Family Hospital where he was diagnosed with severe malnutrition and dehydration.

Donald Meyer died September 19, 2009, 23 days after his admission to St. Marys.

Following an investigation by Wisconsin Department of Health Services Division of Quality Assurance, St. Marys received three Federal citations and one State citation stemming from the poor quality of care provided to Mr. Meyer.

The investigation concluded that the facility’s actions created situations which were directly threatening to resident #1′s (Mr. Meyer) health and welfare. The facility’s actions created a substantial probability that death or serious harm would occur.

Jeffrey Pitman, the Milwaukee personal injury lawyer representing the family and estate said, St. Marys chose not to provide necessary nutrition and fluids to Mr. Meyer. There is no excuse for such disregard. St. Marys choices directly resulted in Mr. Meyers avoidable and premature death. The family wants St. Marys to accept responsibility for its actions and hopes no other resident has to suffer like Don.

The lawsuit seeks unspecified compensatory and punitive damages.

If you believe that your loved one has become a victim of negligence in a nursing home, contact a nursing home abuse attorney at PKSD today. Your initial consultation is free and there are no upfront fees if we handle your case.

PKSD – Ph: 414-333-3333.