Dethel Bell, 84, was a resident at Palm Garden of West Palm Beach Nursing Home. While a nursing aide was performing a transfer, she was dropped to the floor suffering a broken hip that required surgery to repair it. Her injuries led to “pain and suffering and inability to trust her caregivers.”
Through her attorney-in-fact, Bell sued the nursing home, alleging negligent failure to provide appropriate services, negligent hiring, retention, and supervision. It also alleged that the nursing aide’s acts led to the liability of the nursing home by way of vicarious liability.
At arbitration, an award of $197,100 was entered, including $130,000 for Bell’s mental anguish.