A Philadelphia jury awarded $5 million in punitive damages to the widow of a man who died of bedsores (pressure sores, decubitis ulcers) in 2008. The damages are divided between Jeanes Hospital and a Wyncote nursing home. The lawsuit had accused both the hospital and the nursing home of failing to provide adequate care for Joe N. Blango, resulting in his bedsores and eventual death.
The jury also awarded $1 million in compensatory damages. Lawyers familiar with the case say they believe it may be the first time in Philadelphia that a nursing home case resulted in punitive damages.
Website Resource:
Unusual Damages Set In Phila. Bedsores Case, Philadelphia Enquirer, Christopher K. Hepp, March 18, 2010.