Genesis Healthcare blamed for husband's death

CHARLESTON -- A Charleston woman is suing Genesis Healthcare Corporation after she claims they are responsible for her husband's death.

Glenmark Limited Liability Company I d/b/a Valley Center was also named as a defendant in the suit.

George Phillips was a nursing home resident of the defendants' nursing facility from Sept. 20, 2009 through Oct. 18, 2009, according to a complaint filed March 25 in Kanawha Circuit Court.

Garnet Phillips claims the defendants had a duty to protect her husband and failed to do so.

During his time at the nursing home, George Phillips suffered from the
development and worsening of skin break down, dehydration, urinary tract infections and sepsis, according to the suit.

Garnet Phillips claims the defendants failed to monitor and assess her husband for the skin breakdown; failed to implement appropriate measure to prevent and treat skin breakdown; and failed to provide him with pressure reducing devices or develop a plan of care to adequately treat and prevent pressure ulcers.

Garnet Phillips is seeking compensatory and punitive damages. She is being represented by Andrew L. Paternostro and Jeff D. Stewart.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge James C. Stucky.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 11-C-494