A harrowing case of alleged medical negligence has emerged, with the family of a deceased nursing home resident accusing multiple healthcare providers of gross misconduct. The complaint was filed by Andrew Adleman, individually and as the personal representative of the estate of Deborah O'Dell, along with Katherine Wagner, in the District Court of Harris County, Texas on August 6, 2024. The defendants named in the suit include Brighton Senior Living at Regency Village and several associated entities and individuals.
The plaintiffs assert that Deborah O'Dell suffered severe pressure injuries leading to her death due to inadequate care while residing at Brighton Senior Living at Regency Village. According to the petition, O'Dell was admitted to the facility on May 3, 2023, without any existing wounds. However, within weeks, she developed a significant pressure ulcer due to what the plaintiffs describe as gross negligence by the facility's staff. "Brighton Senior Living at Regency Village and its staff failed to implement appropriate interventions to prevent pressure sores from developing," states the complaint.
The petition details how various medical professionals involved in O'Dell's care allegedly neglected their duties. Ngac Phan, M.D., and nurse practitioner Saleen Mannil are accused of failing to properly document and treat O'Dell's worsening condition. By June 20, 2023, Dr. Phan noted a large stage III wound on O'Dell's sacrum that continued to deteriorate despite supposed treatment efforts. On July 21, 2023, after an acute change in her mental state, O'Dell was transferred to HCA Clear Lake where she was diagnosed with sepsis caused by an infected Stage IV sacral wound.
Despite efforts to treat her condition at HCA Clear Lake Hospital, O'Dell's family opted for hospice care based on medical advice. She passed away on August 8, 2023. The plaintiffs argue that had proper care been administered initially at Brighton Senior Living at Regency Village and subsequent oversight by medical professionals been adequate, O'Dell’s death could have been prevented.
The lawsuit seeks both compensatory and punitive damages for what it describes as egregious lapses in standard care practices. Specific allegations against Brighton Senior Living include failure to perform timely skin assessments and inadequate staffing levels. Similarly, Mannil is accused of not ordering appropriate labs or ensuring timely administration of antibiotics crucial for treating infections detected in O’Dell’s wounds.
In addition to wrongful death claims under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code §71.002 and §71.021 (Wrongful Death and Survival Actions), the plaintiffs seek compensation for loss of companionship and society as well as mental anguish endured due to O’Dell’s suffering before her death.
Representing the plaintiffs is John J Brothers from The Brothers Law Firm based in Houston, Texas. The case is assigned Case ID: 2024-50216 under Judge Jarod Stirup in the 165th Judicial District Court.