MGM Healthcare Lawsuit
In November 2015, a tragic mistake was made at Bent-Wood Nursing and Rehab Center, a facility under Midwest Geriatric Management. The resident, Robert Baehr, received the wrong medication, which led to his death.
This incident has led to an MGM Healthcare lawsuit, raising serious questions about how patients are cared for in this rehabilitation center. The case drew attention to the defendants’ responsibilities, including the facility, the staff, and the centers involved in Robert’s care, and it also made its way through the court system in St. Louis.
Background of the Incident
In 2015, a serious error was made at Bent-Wood Nursing and Rehab Center. It’s known that a mix-up of medical records between patients occurred, and hence, a resident received the wrong medication. This mistake from MGM Healthcare had tragic consequences and has since become the center of a court case.
Robert Baehr’s Admission to Bent-Wood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
When Robert Baehr was admitted to Bent-Wood Nursing and Rehab Center, his health was already a bit weak. He had been in the hospital for a while and was moved to the rehabilitation center with the hope of getting better and eventually going back home to his loved ones. At first, his medication list was transferred correctly from the hospital to the center.
The Medication Error
Unfortunately, a nurse at the rehabilitation center switched Robert’s records with another patient by mistake. This fatal error led to his death because he was given the wrong medication that was meant for somebody else.
Consequences of the Medication Error
The medication error had severe consequences for Robert Baehr, which led to a tragic outcome that no one expected. Initially, he suffered from adverse reactions and a decline in his health, leading to prolonged suffering, additional medical treatments, and a significant deterioration in his overall well-being.
His loved ones were left devastated, and decided to take legal action against MGM Healthcare and Bent-Wood Nursing and Rehab Center to hold the responsible parties accountable.
The Fatal Consequences
After being given the incorrect medication, Robert Baehr was found unresponsive multiple times. Even though he was promptly rushed to the hospital, he never fully recovered and sadly passed away. This heartbreaking incident shows serious issues at the center.
Legal Action Taken by the Baehr Family
In response to Robert’s death, his loved ones filed a claim against MGM Healthcare and Bent-Wood. They brought the case to court, claiming negligence for the facility and the staff involved.
The relatives claim that the facilities’ failures in medication management and record-keeping directly led to Baehr’s health complications and eventual death. They sought compensation for the pain and suffering endured and punitive damages to hold the parties accountable and prompt changes in care protocols to prevent future errors.
MGM’s History of Negligence
MGM Healthcare has faced several legal issues over the years because of negligence and poor care at its facilities. Previous lawsuits have highlighted incidents such as inadequate patient monitoring, medication errors, and failure to maintain proper hygiene and safety standards. These incidents show a troubling pattern that raises concerns about the quality of care provided to residents.
The Case of Lois Moreland
One of the cases involved Lois Moreland, a resident at one of the Midwest Geriatric Management facilities. In this incident, a nursing assistant left the older woman, who had Alzheimer’s, unattended in a bathtub overnight in July.
Tragically, this negligence resulted in Moreland’s death. This case brought legal action against MGM and highlighted the urgent need for improved safety protocols and staff training.
Other Notable Incidents Involving MGM Healthcare
Unfortunately, this incident with the older woman isn’t the only example. In 2016, a resident with cerebral palsy at Bent-Wood passed away after staff failed to provide the necessary supervision.
The resident was admitted with special needs but was found drinking soda unsupervised, which led to choking and eventually death. These incidents have led to multiple lawsuits and have been cited in court as evidence of ongoing problems within MGM Healthcare facilities.
The Prevalence of Medication Errors in Nursing Homes
Medication errors are, unfortunately, a common issue in nursing homes. These errors can range from incorrect dosages and medications to missed doses and improper administration. These mistakes can have severe consequences for residents, including adverse drug reactions, worsening of existing conditions, and even death.
Factors Contributing to Medication Errors
Several factors can contribute to these errors, such as understaffing, poor training, and lack of oversight. In the Robert Baehr incident, these issues led to a tragic medication mix-up. A patient usually pays the price when facilities like those managed by Midwest Geriatric Management fail to address these problems.
The Importance of Proper Checks and Balances
Having the right checks and balances in place is important to prevent medication errors. This check means keeping accurate records, training staff, and being extra careful when administering medications.
The Need for Improved Nursing Home Standards
These centers need better standards to prevent tragedies like Robert Baehr’s. These standards include improving staffing levels, offering more training to caregivers, and having stricter oversight.
The Role of Regulatory Authorities
State and federal regulatory centers, such as Medicare, need to ensure that nursing homes meet high standards. They should also enforce stricter penalties for facilities that repeatedly fail to provide proper care, such as those under Midwest Geriatric Management.
Recommendations for Families of Nursing Home Residents
Families need to watch how their loved ones are treated with the care and food they receive. It’s important to ask questions about their case; no one should hesitate to act if something seems off. If you suspect neglect, document everything and consider taking the issue to court on their behalf to correct the situation.
Conclusion
Robert Baehr’s tragic death at a St. Louis nursing home highlights the urgent need for accountability in the industry. Facilities, especially those at MGM Healthcare, must do better to ensure the safety of vulnerable residents.
Following proper care standards is crucial to avoiding future tragedies. This case reminds us of the importance of demanding better care for our loved ones in all nursing homes.