The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has completed its investigation of neglect concerns at the Nervanas Caring Hands Inc. in Bloomington, Minnesota. A complaint was filed with the Department alleging that neglect occurred when a client was given an overdose of narcotics by staff. The Department investigated the matter and found that the resident was given morphine in excess of the prescribed amount, causing her death. [Case no. HL26052001]
The client resided at the facility for about two years prior to the incident. The client was hospitalized for pneumonia. About one week following the client’s return to the facility, during the evening hours, the resident was weak, not taking in nourishment and experienced some shortness of breath. The facility nurse initiated the used of medication morphine, prescribed to C1 for pain and shortness of breath. The nurse made an error when calculating the dosage of morphine, resulting in the client receiving at least two doses that were in excess of the prescribed amount. The client was sedated by the medication overdose and did not regain consciousness. The client died in the early afternoon following initiation of the morphine the prior evening. According to the death certificate, the cause of death was acute morphine toxicity. The MDH determined that the caregiver is responsible for neglect of the facility’s resident.
The Kosieradzki • Smith Law Firm represents clients in cases involving catastrophic injury caused by nursing homes and other care facilities that fail to provide proper care. If you believe your loved one has been harmed due neglect or abuse in a nursing home, take action and contact the Kosieradzki • Smith Law Firm online or call us toll-free at (877) 552-2873 to set up a no-cost, no-obligation consultation.
