A tragic case of alleged elder neglect and abuse has been brought to light, involving a skilled nursing facility accused of gross negligence leading to the death of an elderly resident. On September 9, 2024, a complaint was filed by Sean D. Cowdrey and Spencer H. Jenkins at the Ventura Superior Court against SVRTC, LLC, doing business as Simi Healthcare Center.
The plaintiffs in this case are Steven M. York's successors-in-interest, Alicia York and Jennifer Cole, who are also his daughters. They allege that Mr. York suffered significant physical and emotional injuries due to the reckless neglect by Simi Healthcare Center staff during his stay from September 7, 2023, to October 4, 2023. The complaint outlines a series of events that detail how Mr. York's condition deteriorated under the care of the facility.
According to the complaint, Mr. York was admitted to Simi Healthcare Center for rehabilitation after being discharged from Los Robles Hospital on September 7, 2023. During his stay at the facility, Mr. York experienced severe health issues including high blood pressure spikes and symptoms indicative of a stroke which were allegedly ignored by the facility staff despite repeated concerns raised by his daughter Alicia York.
On October 2 and October 3, Alicia noticed her father's worsening condition over phone calls where he expressed feeling extremely fatigued and sick with slurred speech. Despite her immediate reports to the facility staff about these alarming changes in her father's condition, it is alleged that no proper medical attention or monitoring was provided.
By October 4th morning, Mr. York’s condition had severely worsened; he was found naked and confused in his bed by a staff member but still received no adequate medical intervention until later that day when an ambulance was finally called. He was admitted to Adventist Health Simi Valley hospital with hypothermia, dehydration, sepsis, stroke symptoms from more than 24 hours prior, and pneumonia—conditions that led directly to his death on October 21st.
The plaintiffs accuse SVRTC LLC of elder neglect/abuse under Welfare & Institutions Code §§15600 et seq., negligence for failing to provide adequate care plans or sufficient staffing among other lapses as required by law; violation of patients' rights under Health & Safety Code §1430(b); and wrongful death due to their alleged reckless conduct leading up to Mr.York’s demise.
They seek general damages according to proof along with special damages covering medical expenses incurred due to negligence; statutory damages up-to $500 per violation concerning patient rights; punitive damages specifically related only towards first cause action (elder abuse); attorney fees pursuant Welfare & Institutions code section15657(a)and Health & Safety code section1430(b); costs suit against all defendants alongside any other relief deemed just proper court jury trial demand placed.
Attorneys representing plaintiffs include Sean D.Cowdrey Spencer H.Jenkins while case identified under number2024CUPP030127 presided over Judge McCormick within jurisdiction Ventura Superior Court located California.