Senior Justice Law Firm Secures Record $14.7 Million Jury Verdict Against Miami Nursing Home

Distributed by EIN Presswire

A historic verdict—the largest ever against a nursing home in Miami-Dade County—secured by Senior Justice Law Firm attorneys Garrick Harding and Dylan Hanson.

MIAMI, FL, UNITED STATES, February 17, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Senior Justice Law Firm announced today that a Miami-Dade County jury returned a landmark $14.7 million verdict against a Miami nursing home, the largest jury verdict ever obtained against a nursing home in Miami.

The verdict stems from the wrongful death of 82-year-old resident Mr. Brakes, who suffered from catastrophic neglect while under the Krystal Bay Nursing and Rehab’s care. Evidence presented at trial showed that Mr. Brakes developed Stage 4 pressure sores to his sacrum and right heel, which progressed to sepsis, osteomyelitis, multiple amputations, and ultimately his premature death.

At trial, Senior Justice Law Firm attorneys Garrick Harding and Dylan Hanson demonstrated that these injuries were entirely preventable and resulted from systemic failures in care. Mortality tables introduced into evidence established that Mr. Brakes had a life expectancy of an additional 7.11 years at the time of his death.

Age and frailty do not excuse abuse, nor do they lessen the value of a human life. The jury made that clear with a substantial verdict, despite Mr. Brakes’ advanced age and existing health conditions.”

— Michael Brevda, Esq.

The jury awarded damages to all six of Mr. Brakes’ surviving children for the sudden and premature loss of their father. While the family requested compensation of $250,000 per year per child, the jury exceeded that request—awarding $350,000 per year per child for a full seven years, reflecting the profound emotional loss suffered by the family.

The final verdict totaled $14.7 million, with fault apportioned 50 percent to the nursing home licensee and 50 percent to the management company.

“This verdict sends a powerful message that nursing homes and their operators will be held fully accountable when they fail to protect their most vulnerable residents,” said the lead trial counsel Garrick Harding. “We are deeply grateful that the jury listened closely to the evidence and recognized not only the preventable nature of Mr. Brakes’ injuries, but the immeasurable loss experienced by his family.”

Senior Justice Law Firm emphasized that this historic verdict underscores the importance of vigilance, accountability, and dignity in elder care, and reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for residents and families harmed by neglect and abuse.

About Senior Justice Law Firm
Senior Justice Law Firm focuses exclusively on representing victims of nursing home abuse and neglect and their families throughout the US. The firm is dedicated to protecting the rights, dignity, and safety of elderly residents.

Media Contact:
Senior Justice Law Firm
https://seniorjustice.com/
888-375-9998

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE ELEVENTH JUDICIAL
CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA
CASE NO: 2023-021325-CA-01
SECTION: CA10
JUDGE: Peter R. Lopez
JO ANTIONETTE BRAKES as Co-PR of Estate et al
Plaintiff(s)
vs.
WATERCREST ACQUISITION I LLC, et al
Defendant(s)

Lori Shifflett
Senior Justice Law Firm
+1 888-375-9998
lori@seniorjustice.com

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Senior Justice Law Firm Secures Record $14.7 Million Jury Verdict Against Miami Nursing Home 

Judge Upholds $5M Verdict Against Nursing Home in Veteran’s Death Case

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Nassau Court Upholds $5M Verdict for Family of Veteran Neglected at Freeport Nursing Home

Port Washington, United States – February 22, 2026 / Parker Waichman LLP – Personal Injury Accident Attorneys /

A Nassau County Supreme Court judge has upheld a $5 million jury verdict against South Shore Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, a case recently highlighted by Newsday for its “egregious” evidence of neglect. The ruling finds that the facility’s failure to provide basic care directly contributed to the death of 69-year-old Army veteran and retired postal worker Henry Serrapica.

In a decision issued January 14, Justice Christopher McGrath denied the nursing home’s post-trial motions to set aside the verdict or reduce damages. The court’s affirmation preserves the jury’s findings of negligence and violations of New York State public health law.

Court Cites “Persistent” Neglect

The upheld verdict includes $1 million in punitive damages, an award the court determined was warranted based on the severity of the evidence presented at trial.

In the decision, Justice McGrath wrote: “The evidence entered reflected not only the negligent treatment of the pressure ulcers resulting in death but showed instances where [Mr. Serrapica’s] dignity was compromised that was not based on mere carelessness, but rather persistent instances that support the jury’s punitive damages award.”

Medical Evidence and Conditions

Mr. Serrapica was admitted to South Shore Rehabilitation following a stroke and pneumonia. Although his care plan required staff to reposition him every two to four hours, trial evidence indicated that this protocol was not consistently followed. He subsequently developed multiple Stage 4 pressure ulcers, including wounds to his heel, ankle, arm, pelvis, back, and buttocks.

During his final hospitalization, medical records documented an unstageable pressure injury near his pelvis measuring approximately 16 inches by 9 inches. Physicians diagnosed him with osteomyelitis, sepsis, and septic shock.

Family testimony further described unsanitary living conditions. Relatives reported finding Mr. Serrapica without pants, in soiled diapers, or near vomit that had not been cleaned. Records also showed that during his residency, he lost nearly 40 pounds and suffered six falls.

Legal Positions

Ryan McAllister, the Port Washington-based attorney for the Serrapica family, stated that the court’s decision and the subsequent media attention underscore the gravity of the case.

“This decision sends a powerful message,” McAllister said. “Punitive damages are reserved for the most egregious conduct, and courts are rightly cautious in allowing them to stand. The fact that the jury awarded punitive damages–and that the court upheld them–underscores how serious and systemic the failures in care were in this case.”

In court filings, South Shore Rehabilitation argued that the verdict was excessive and duplicative. The facility maintained that staff followed appropriate care protocols and that Mr. Serrapica received treatment from physicians and nursing personnel.

Facility History

New York State Department of Health records show that South Shore Rehabilitation and Nursing Center has received 28 health or life safety code violations since October 1, 2021. The facility has also been fined a total of $14,000 for deficiencies cited during inspections dating back to May 2018.

Contact Information:

Parker Waichman LLP – Personal Injury Accident Attorneys

6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
United States

Jerrold Parker
(516) 466-6500
https://yourlawyer.com

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Judge Upholds $5M Verdict Against Nursing Home in Veteran’s Death Case

Local woman who had power of attorney for 93-year-old pleads guilty to financial exploitation

By Christopher Dacanay 

A local woman has pleaded guilty to financially exploiting an elderly person.

Indiana County District Attorney Robert Manzi says Kathy Sue Twigg, 65, of Brush Valley, entered a guilty plea for financial exploitation of an older adult or care-dependent person, as well as theft by failure to make required disposition of funds and misapplication of entrusted funds.

Indiana County detectives received a report that the victim — a 93-year-old, care-dependent woman — was removed from her nursing home for failing to make payments.

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Local woman who had power of attorney for 93-year-old pleads guilty to financial exploitation