Widow Sues Denver Nursing Home Over Alleged Negligence in Care

URGENT UPDATE: A widow has filed a lawsuit against HighPointe Assisted Living and Memory Care in Denver, alleging severe negligence in the care of her late husband, Fred Murrell, who died on February 9. The suit, filed by Jolaine Murrell on Friday in Denver District Court, claims that staff failed to identify critical health issues, including broken bones and an infected wound, which compounded his medical condition.

According to the lawsuit, Fred Murrell developed a foot wound that hindered his mobility, leading to a devastating fall on December 28, where he broke his hip and multiple ribs. Despite these serious injuries, the staff allegedly did not seek medical attention or even recognize the severity of his condition, as he required a wheelchair following the incident.

The complaint further states that staff neglected to change Murrell’s soiled diapers, allowing waste to contaminate his foot wound. This negligence reportedly resulted in an infection that progressed to sepsis, a life-threatening condition caused by the body’s extreme reaction to infection.

After being transferred to another facility in late January, medical examinations revealed his broken bones and severe infection, which had escalated to a critical level. The lawsuit underscores the emotional toll of this neglect on Jolaine Murrell, who is now seeking justice for her late husband’s suffering.

In a related inspection conducted by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment in March, officials noted a case resembling Fred Murrell’s, referred to as Resident #19. This inspection highlighted alarming lapses in care, including failure to reassess residents after multiple falls and not calling for emergency medical services when another resident reported severe pain.

HighPointe’s staff reportedly described the resident’s aggressive behavior following his fall, interpreting it as a signal of pain. The inspection also revealed that another resident, who had fallen, was finally taken to the hospital the day after the incident, where fractures in both hips were discovered.

Following these reports, a subsequent inspection in May indicated that HighPointe had addressed the issues raised in March. However, the ongoing circumstances surrounding Fred Murrell’s case reveal a disturbing pattern of negligence that raises significant concerns about resident safety in assisted living facilities.

What’s next? As this lawsuit unfolds, it could lead to broader implications for nursing home regulations and the accountability of care facilities across the state. Community members and families of residents are urged to stay informed on this developing situation, as it highlights the critical importance of vigilant care in nursing homes.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.