GALVESTON — A woman claims understaffing and neglect at a La Marque long term care facility caused her mother's death.
Diane Ratliff Brown, individually and on behalf of the Estate of Arline G. Ratliff, filed a complaint Jan. 25 in Galveston County District Court against SCTW Health Care Center Inc., doing business as Bayou Pines Care Center, alleging medical negligence, wrongful death and other claims.
According to the plaintiff's complaint, Brown's mother Arline Ratliff, who was 92-years old at the time, was admitted to Bayou Pines on Feb. 18, 2021. She claims her mother was wheelchair bound and required complete assistance with daily living including eating, dressing and personal hygiene. Brown claims due to the facility's understaffing, her mother was left alone in her bed or wheelchair most of the time and developed pressure ulcers and infections.
She further claims the Bayou staff knew of her mother's increased risk of developing pressure ulcers, infections and dehydration yet failed to closely monitor or evaluate her mother. Brown alleges her mother's ulcer progressed into a wound and became infected which led to her medical decline and death on Sept. 8, 2021.
Brown seeks monetary relief of more than $1 million, interest, trial by jury and all other just relief. She is represented by Patrick Powers and Wesley Scarborough of Powers Taylor LLP in Dallas.
Galveston County District Court case number 23-CV-0129