Woman suffered trauma in nursing home, suit says

CHARLESTON -- A man is suing 12 companies on behalf of a woman he claims suffered physical and emotional trauma while staying in a nursing home.

Genesis Healthcare Corporation; Genesis Healthcare Holding Company II, Inc.; Genesis Health Ventures, Inc. of West Virginia; Genesis Eldercare Corporation; Genesis Eldercare Network Services, Inc.; Genesis Eldercare Management Services, Inc.; Genesis Eldercare Rehabilitation Services, Inc.; Genesis Eldercare Staffing Services, Inc.; Genesis Eldercare Hospitality Services, Inc.; Teays Valley Haven Limited Partnership; Genesis WV Holdings, LLC; Glenmark Associates, Inc.; John Does 1 through 10; and Unidentified Entities 1 through 10 (as to Teays Valley Center) were named as defendants in the suit.

Shirley Holdren was a resident of Teays Valley Center, a nursing home in Marmet, from Oct. 16, 2009, until Jan. 1, according to a complaint filed March 28 in Kanawha Circuit Court.

Kenneth Holdren claims while Shirley Holdren was a resident at the nursing home, she suffered catastrophic injuries, disfigurement, extreme pain, suffering and mental anguish.

The defendants were aware of Shirley Holdren's medical condition and the care she required when they represented they could adequately care for her needs, according to the suit.

Kenneth Holdren claims the defendants failed to provide Shirley Holdren with adequate fluid intake; failed to provide even the minimum number of staff necessary to assist residents with their needs; failed to protect Shirley Holdren from harm within the facility; failed to maintain appropriate records, including failure to monitor and document significant changes in her condition; and failed to provide and ensure an adequate nursing care plan based on Shirley Holdren's needs.

Kenneth Holdren is seeking compensatory and punitive damages. He is being represented by James B. McHugh and Michael J. Fuller Jr.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Carrie Webster.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 10-C-585