Ocala man sues rehab center over severe infection that led to amputation

An Ocala man has filed a lawsuit against a local healthcare and rehabilitation center, alleging that failures in basic wound care and monitoring led to a severe infection that ultimately required an amputation.

William Francis filed the complaint against The Lodge Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, LLC in the Fifth Judicial Circuit Court for Marion County Monday, December 8.

According to the complaint, Francis was admitted to the center, which is located at 635 SE 17th Street in Ocala, with a wound from September 13, 2023, through September 19, 2023.

Francis claims that during this stay, the facility failed to appropriately and timely provide required wound dressing changes.

The complaint further alleges The Lodge failed to properly monitor, document, and report the progression of Francis’s wound, and failed to notify or consult medical providers regarding signs of wound deterioration and infection.

As a direct and proximate result of the defendant’s alleged failure to provide adequate and appropriate protective support services, Francis’s wound worsened and became infected, requiring additional surgery and, ultimately, amputation.

The complaint includes a count for the violation of the Resident’s Rights under Chapter 400 of the Florida Statutes, stating the facility owed a duty to provide care that would attain or maintain the highest practicable physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being.

The alleged violations include failing to implement necessary interventions to prevent wound deterioration and infection, and providing nursing home care below the standard of care.

As a result of the alleged negligent care, Francis claims he suffered damages, including bodily injury and resulting pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, mental anguish, loss of capacity for the enjoyment of life, and expensive medical and nursing care and treatment. His losses are permanent and/or continuing, according to the complaint.

Francis is seeking damages in excess of $50,000, exclusive of attorney’s costs. He is requesting a trial by jury.