A shocking case of alleged neglect and mistreatment at a senior living facility has come to light, as John Young files a complaint against Morningstar Assisted Living and Memory Care River Oaks. The lawsuit, filed on August 12, 2024, in the Harris County District Court by John Young, acting as the next friend and power of attorney for Sally Young, accuses the facility and its associated entities and staff of severe negligence resulting in significant harm to his wife.
The complaint outlines that Sally Young was admitted to Morningstar Assisted Living and Memory Care River Oaks on October 31, 2021, due to her need for around-the-clock care. On September 21, 2022, she was found lying under her bed after an unwitnessed fall. The following day, she was taken to Houston Methodist Hospital where she was diagnosed with a severely deformed right arm due to a displaced proximal right humerus fracture, acute kidney injury from dehydration, and rhabdomyolysis. The plaintiff alleges that these injuries were the direct result of neglect by the facility's staff.
John Young's lawsuit names several defendants: Morningstar Assisted Living and Memory Care River Oaks (under its assumed or common name), HGM SL River Oaks TX Tenant LLC, Morningstar Senior Management LLC, Kristina McNeil Prevette (Administrator), and Doris Williams (RN). According to the complaint, these entities failed in their duty to provide adequate care for Sally Young. Specific allegations include insufficient staffing levels, failure to hire and train competent personnel, inadequate medical treatment following her fall, lack of proper supervision leading to falls and injuries, and overall neglect.
The lawsuit claims that these failures are not isolated incidents but rather systemic issues stemming from decisions made at higher levels within the corporate structure of the defendants. It is argued that such decisions prioritized financial gains over patient care by understaffing the facility and diverting funds away from essential services. This gross negligence allegedly led to Sally Young's severe pain and suffering.
In addition to seeking economic damages for medical expenses incurred due to this neglect, John Young is also pursuing non-economic damages for pain and suffering endured by his wife. Furthermore, he seeks exemplary damages aimed at punishing the defendants for their egregious conduct and deterring similar behavior in the future. The lawsuit also includes claims for loss of consortium due to the emotional distress caused by witnessing his wife's suffering.
Representing John Young is attorney Jacques G. Balette from Marks Balette Young & Moss PLLC. The case has been assigned Case ID 2024-51982 in Harris County District Court under Judge Joshua Hall.