A tragic case of alleged medical negligence and elder abuse has been brought to light, implicating a prominent healthcare facility in Ventura County. On September 12, 2024, a complaint was filed by the law firm Berglund & Johnson Law Group in the Superior Court of California, County of Ventura, against Los Robles Hospital & Medical Center and associated entities.
The plaintiffs—Beverly Glass, Andrea Jansen, Anthony Ponticelli, and Alfred Ponticelli—are the surviving heirs and personal representatives of Maria Rosa Ponticelli. They allege that Maria Rosa Ponticelli died on November 26, 2022, due to severe injuries sustained while under the care of Los Robles Hospital & Medical Center. The complaint details numerous accusations including negligence, professional medical negligence, elder abuse/willful misconduct, wrongful death, and negligent infliction of emotional distress.
Maria Rosa Ponticelli was admitted to Los Robles Hospital on September 29, 2022, after an unwitnessed fall that resulted in a broken right hip. Despite her high risk for pressure ulcers due to immobility and other health complications like congestive heart failure and atrial fibrillation, the plaintiffs allege that the hospital failed to implement necessary preventive measures. "The facility lacked proper documentation and assessment using objective tools such as the Braden Scale to evaluate pressure injury risk," states the complaint.
The family claims that during her stay at Los Robles Hospital from September 29 to October 10, 2022, Maria suffered multiple injuries including skin tears and further damage during physical therapy sessions. Despite repeated warnings from her family about her deteriorating condition and potential sepsis risks, she was discharged prematurely on October 10. Within approximately 36 hours of discharge to a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF), she was readmitted with confirmed sepsis.
From October 12 until her death on November 26, Maria's condition worsened significantly due to alleged neglect. The complaint describes how inadequate staffing led to failures in repositioning schedules crucial for preventing pressure sores. By November 1st, her pressure injury had progressed from stage two to stage four with signs of infection including Pseudomonas aeruginosa—a known hospital-acquired infection.
The plaintiffs are seeking damages for pain and suffering endured by Maria Rosa Ponticelli before her death as well as punitive damages against the defendants for their reckless disregard for patient safety. They also demand attorney’s fees under Welfare & Institutions Code §15657 due to elder abuse claims.
Representing the plaintiffs are attorneys Daniel W. Johnson (SBN:071359) and Stephen M. Johnson (SBN:302029) from Berglund & Johnson Law Group. The case is assigned Case No.:2024CUPP030411 with Judge Hon presiding over Department:.