A tragic incident at a senior care facility has led to a significant lawsuit, alleging severe negligence and wrongful death. On August 16, 2024, Mazen Baltagi filed a complaint in the Harris County District Court against Sinceri Senior Living, doing business as Cinco Ranch Alzheimer's Special Care Center.
The case revolves around the unfortunate death of Mustafa El-Baltagi, who was admitted to Cinco Ranch Alzheimer's Special Care Center on March 3, 2020. Diagnosed with dementia and other health issues such as depression and diabetes, Mustafa required extensive assistance for daily activities. According to the complaint, on May 29, 2023, Mustafa was observed choking while eating in the facility's dining room. Despite efforts by staff and emergency medical services (EMS), he tragically passed away after approximately 25 minutes of unsuccessful life-saving attempts.
The plaintiffs—Mazen Baltagi (individually and as a representative of Mustafa's estate), Najla El-Baltagi (Mustafa's widow), and Afif Baltagi—assert that the facility's negligence directly led to Mustafa's death. They claim that Cinco Ranch failed in multiple areas: providing an appropriate diet as prescribed in his Individual Service Plan, ensuring staff assistance during meals due to his history of choking, conducting necessary swallow tests, and adequately training staff for such emergencies. The complaint states that these failures constituted gross negligence under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chapter 74.
The plaintiffs are seeking various forms of relief from the court. They request actual damages for past physical pain and suffering endured by Mustafa before his death, funeral expenses, loss of household services, loss of consortium, pre-judgment and post-judgment interest, exemplary damages for punitive purposes due to gross negligence, costs of court proceedings, and any other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
Representing the plaintiffs are attorneys Randall O. Sorrels and Linda C. Parrish from Sorrels Law Firm. The case is being overseen by Judge Marilyn Burgess in Harris County’s 334th Judicial District Court under Case ID: 2024-54625.