Hurricane Irma left a trail of property damage across the State of Florida.  However, the most tragic story to emerge in the aftermath of the hurricane is that at least eight residents of a nursing home in Hollywood, Florida (Broward County) tragically died of heat related symptoms after the air conditioning failed at the facility.  

The Rehabilitation Center at Hollywood Hills is a located right next door to a hospital.  Yet, with no air conditioning, the nursing home did not ask the hospital or other emergency service providers for help.  The patients easily could have been transported next door to the hospital for treatment and hydration.  Instead, reports state that the nursing home staff allowed the patients to suffer for at least three days without air conditioning.  The heat index in the area was close to 100 degrees.  

Florida has a set of laws that hold nursing homes responsible for negligence that injures or kills patients.  These cases are complicated.  One must follow a pre-lawsuit procedure before filing a case in court.  No doubt that the Rehabilitation Center at Hollywood Hills will face numerous lawsuits from this tragedy.  From the reports in the media, this facility deserves to be sued, as these deaths were probably preventable.

Our office has experience handling cases of this type.  The nursing home laws have many pitfalls for the unwary. If you or a family member have a potential case against a nursing home, consult with a board certified civil trial attorney.  Board certification by The Florida Bar indicates that an attorney is an expert in a given field.   Steven Meyer is board certified as an expert in two areas of practice - civil trial law and business litigation.  Only a handful of lawyers in Florida are double board certified in this areas.