Coroner's Report Indicates Death of Nursing Home Resident Was Preventable

By Daniel Hawn

Published on September 06, 2005

According to the lawsuit, Patricia Matney, 49, had been a resident of Heartland of Waterville nursing home for four years when, in June, members of the facility's staff left her unattended in 90 degree heat. Matney, who was immobile due to multiple sclerosis, died after spending several hours in the sun.
The coroner stated that her death resulted from a combination of hypothermia and heat stroke.
Last month, Heartland of Waterville was served with a lawsuit from Matney's daughter, Nicole Tillman. The lawsuit, filed in Lucas County Common Pleas Court, asks for more than $13 million dollars in damages on behalf of the Matney's death.
Tillman's attorney said that he will seek a larger award during the trial in order to send the message that the conditions in the city's nursing homes need improvement.
The Lucas County Prosecutor's office is still considering whether or not to file charges on account of the incident.

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