December 1, 2010 – Auburn, CA – The family of Loretta Drewno has filed a lawsuit against Drewno’s nursing home after her primary care nurse was found to be stealing patients’ medication, nearly resulting in Drewno’s death. The Auburn Journal reports in a November 17 article that Drewno, 88, had been living a relatively healthy and contented life at the Terraces of Roseville up until she suddenly started hallucinating. For no apparent reason, she was suddenly in a state of paranoia, severe pain and finally, paralysis. Drewno was convinced she was near death. The employees at the Terraces told her she had just six months left to live. A priest was even called in to give Drewno her last rites. Then, suddenly, Drewno had completely recovered. The only thing that had changed was that Drewno’s daughter, Sue Fone, had resumed administering her mother’s lymphedema medication. She had originally stopped giving the medication at the request of Drewno’s nurse, Marlene Delp. Delp, 64, had been stealing the medications from more than 50 patients to satisfy her painkiller addiction. Delp would stop medtechs from counting pills, claim to “destroy” unused pills, give patients over-the-counter meds instead of their prescriptions, and force staff to sign off on false reports; the list of deceptions goes on from there. The class-action lawsuit is being filed against Westmont Living, a company that runs the senior home, for allowing Delp to get away with her practices. The company “vigorously disputes that” Delp’s boss, Mary Murphy, knew about and actively covered up Delp’s behavior.
Contacting a New York Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
When you have sustained a serious injury or lost a loved one because of the negligence of a nursing home you are entitled to seek compensation for your damages and suffering. Consulting with a New York nursing home abuse lawyer can help you better understand your rights, determine liability for your injuries, and decide if filing a nursing home abuse claim is right for you. At Gacovino Lake & Associates we have formed a dedicated network of nursing home abuse lawyers that serve clients nationwide. Our New York office serves residents of the 5 boroughs with their auto accident, medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, defective drug, premises liability and Workers’ Compensation claims. For experienced help with your nursing home abuse claim, contact us today – 1-800-246-4878.
