Monday, August 31, 2009

Family Sues Foster Home Over Woman's Death

Relatives of a 63-year-old Rochester woman who died three years ago have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against a foster care facility for the elderly.

The lawsuit alleges that staff at the Rehoboth Disabled & Elderly Foster Care in Rochester failed to make sure Cletus Ilene Sedlacek was on 24-hour oxygen the morning of Aug. 7, 2006, as required.

She was found at 9:41 a.m. that day, lying face down in the yard. She died seven days later at Saint Marys Hospital.

Her daughter, Veronica Lynn Mahoney, who is trustee for the heirs, has filed the civil lawsuit against the facility and its owners, DeAnn and Armin Schrimpf of Oronoco and DeAnn Schrimpf's daughter, Amanda Beery.

Attorney claims

The multi-count complaint alleges negligence, wrongful death, negligent training and supervision of staff, medical malpractice and fraud.

Mark Solheim of St. Paul, attorney for the defendants, said Minnesota and federal law prohibits him from disclosing information related to Sedlacek's medical condition and her residency at the group home.

"But I can tell you the allegations that have been alleged against my clients will be vigorously defended. We do not believe my client deviated from the standard of care," he said. "We believe the plaintiffs claim damages that are grossly overstated."

Full Article and Source:
Family Sues Foster Home Over Woman's Death

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am glad the family of Cletus Ilene Sedlacek is pursuing this suit.

Anonymous said...

I believe this very well could be a case of negligence by the nursing home.

Anonymous said...

As bad as nursing homes are, what would we do without them? Society would rather put old people up in a nursing home instead of take care of them at home, for the most part.

Anonymous said...

Cletus Ilene Sedlacek was injured on Rehoboth Disabled & Elderly Foster Care's watch. They should be held accountable.

Anonymous said...

Mark Soldheim's statement that he can't release information about Sedlacek's condition and stay at the facility is a cop out.

Mike said...

If the standard of care involves not keeping an eye on the residents or not providing the ordered oxygen, then the rest of the residents of Rehoboth had better pack up and run!

Sue said...

The facts of the case should come out during this process. Time will tell.

Anonymous said...

How can anyone "grossly overstate" death?

Come on, Soldheim!

Anonymous said...

Disposable society folks.

And, they are waiting for us.

Cause for concern?

Don't think this will affect you?

Or, someone you love and care for?