The Parklands Rehabilitation and Nursing Center and their associated facilities are facing major nursing home neglect allegations from a previous tenant over various injuries he says he developed under the facility’s staff.

The lawsuit was filed by a man from Florida, alleging nursing home staff neglected him to the point where he developed pressure sores that compounded his medical condition.

Plaintiff Eddie D. says he checked into the Parklands Rehabilitation and Nursing Center on several occasions starting on Nov. 3, 2015, and alleges he suffered nursing home negligence during his stays.

More specifically, Eddie alleges staff members did not give him proper medical care while ignoring any other issues he was having during this period.

Two of these requirements were assistance in pain management and failing to provide for his specific needs request such as a pain relieving mattress. This neglect allegedly caused him to develop severe pressure sores, as well as infection from sepsis and buttock ulcer infection.

Eddie also alleges he was not fed well, based on the fact that he suffered dehydration, malnutrition, and weight loss.

His final checkout was on Jan. 1, 2016. Eddie filed legal action after discovering Parklands Rehabilitation had allegedly failed to update his doctors and family members about his medication, while also failing to communicate these issues with him directly.

Overview of Elderly Abuse and Neglect in America

Nursing home neglect is a serious problems in the United States, with as many as 5 million Americans over the age of 60 suffering from some form of neglect, abuse, or exploitation.

Statistics show that patients suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s are especially vulnerable because they do not have any memories or have a lot of trouble recalling the abuse.

Due to the vulnerable nature of these victims, approximately 84 percent of these cases are not reported. In addition, it has been noted that elder abuse and neglect occur in nursing homes or other long term care facilities in which elderly residents are completely dependent on the staffers.

According to the National Council on Aging, elder abuse and neglect can come in many forms, with obvious signs like bruising or chronic infections but less obvious ones could be urinary tract infections and sexual abuse where the injuries might not be easily seen.

In addition to physical abuse and neglect, recent research reported by the National Center on Elder Abuse has found that financial exploitation is also a prominent concern for elderly patients. One study finding it to be the most common form of abuse, followed by potential neglect, emotional mistreatment, physical abuse, and sexual abuse.

Ultimately, Eddie alleges the Parklands Rehabilitation staff was directly responsible for his injuries and malnourishment because he was completely reliant on their care during his time at the facilities.

The staff and their employers were responsible for ensuring a safe and healthy environment for their residents, alleges the lawsuit, which includes ensuring their basic needs and medical care were met.

Eddie is seeking damages against Parklands Rehabilitation for counts of neglect, negligence, and any medical expenses that were allegedly produced from mistreatment he endured.

The Nursing Home Negligence Lawsuit is Case No. 2019-CA-00032-K, in the Circuit Court, 8th Judicial Circuit, in and for the Alachua County, Florida.