CHARLESTON – A 29-year-old Kanawha County man is suing a skilled nursing facility over allegations he suffered abuse and neglect as a resident there.
Kevin Southern filed a lawsuit April 10 in Kanawha Circuit Court against Genesis Healthcare LLC, Sabra Health Care REIT Inc., Sunbridge Mountain Care Management Inc., Sunbridge Care Enterprises Inc., Sunbridge Salem Health Care Corp., John Does 1-10, and unidentified entities 1-10, alleging negligence, premises liability, fraud and other violations.
According to the complaint, from the time Southern became a resident of Salem Care and Rehab on Sept. 14, 2010 and continuing until the present time, he suffered systemic abuse and neglect. The plaintiff claims he endured pressure sores, cellulitis and various infections, resulting in the overall deterioration of his physical and mental well-being. The suit alleges all the defendants were aware of systemic problems with patient care at the facility, but did nothing to improve conditions.
Southern seeks a jury trial, punitive and compensatory damages in an amount to be determined at trial, plus litigation costs. He is represented by attorneys James B. McHugh and Michael J. Fuller Jr. of McHugh Fuller Law Group PLLC in Hattiesburg, Miss.
Judge Jennifer F. Bailey is assigned to the case.
Kanawha Circuit Court Case number 16-C-584