A wrongful death lawsuit has been filed against an Ocala rehabilitation center and related management entities, alleging financial exploitation, neglect, and chronic understaffing that impacted the quality of care provided to a deceased mother.
The complaint was filed on November 24 by the Estate of Danna Jean Rowe, represented by Executor de son Tort Jessica Ann Gahan. The lawsuit names Marion House Rehabilitation Center, Southern Healthcare Management, LLC, and Christina Brancato (as to Ocala Oaks Rehabilitation Center) as defendants.
According to the lawsuit, Danna Jean Rowe resided at the Ocala Oaks Rehabilitation Center, located at 3930 E Silver Springs Blvd, from November 27, 2023, until her discharge on September 24, 2024.
The estate’s attorneys allege the defendants each failed to act reasonably in providing care for Rowe by neglecting to ensure she was provided a safe environment and treated with dignity.
They accuse the defendants of failing to monitor and adequately respond to significant changes in Rowe’s physical condition, and of neglecting to provide appropriate health care. They allege Rowe’s treating physician was not notified of the significant changes in her condition and that staff at the facility failed to develop and implement an adequate care plan.
The complaint accuses the defendants of engaging in financial exploitation by failing or refusing to effectively use Rowe’s income or assets, including disability benefits and Medicare/Medicaid funds, for the necessities required for her support and maintenance. It suggests that the defendants received money they should have known would deprive the facility of adequate resources to provide for Rowe’s care, resulting in losses.
Attorneys also assert the facility operated with chronic understaffing. This condition allegedly resulted in the failure to meet the required staffing ratios to properly care for residents, including Rowe.
“Defendants breached their duty to Danna Jean Rowe to property train and supervise staff and to ensure that any such staff exercised care consistent with the prevailing professional standards of care,” reads the complaint.
The lawsuit further alleges that understaffing directly contributed to the facility’s inability to provide necessary basic care and, as a result, increased the risk of harm to its patients.
As a direct result of the alleged actions and negligence, the estate claims Rowe suffered bodily injury and pain and suffering.
Rowe died on October 14, 2024, as a result of the defendants’ “negligent acts and omissions,” according to the complaint.
The estate is seeking damages in an amount in excess of $50,000 and has demanded a trial by jury.