A Sacramento County nursing home will have to pay $100,000 for the death of a 60-year-old patient who fell while attendants were moving her from her wheelchair to her bed.
The California Department of Health announced the fine–the largest allowed under state law–against Eskaton Care Center Manzanita indicates California Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Attorney Steven C. Peck.
The woman, whose name has not been released, was being moved onto the bed using a mechanical lifting device at the facility in Carmichael two years ago when the machine failed. The woman fell and hit her head. She died four days later of head trauma.
State investigators said the nursing home had not properly maintained the equipment.
Eskaton Care Chief Operating Officer Trevor Hammond called the death a “catastrophe.” He told the Sacramento Bee the nursing home is reviewing the fine and is not sure it will appeal.
About the Author
Attorney Steven Peck has been practicing law since 1981. A former successful business owner, Mr. Peck initially focused his legal career on business law. Within the first three years, after some colleagues and friend’s parents endured nursing home neglect and elder abuse, he continued his education to begin practicing elder law and nursing home abuse law.