$54 Million Awarded in New Mexico Nursing Home Case

By Daniel Hawn

Published on July 12, 2007

The award is the state's largest ever in a case involving nursing home neglect, say attorneys in Albuquerque.

According to the lawsuit, in 2004 78-year-old Barbara Barber died of internal bleeding at a nursing home owned by ManorCare Inc. Attorneys for Barber's family argued that employees at the Albuquerque nursing home failed to seek treatment for Barber, who bled to death over several days.

The lawsuit also accused ManorCare employees of attempting to cover up the manner of Barber's death. The family's attorneys said employees at the facility disposed of blood-stained pillows and sheets in Barber's room without notifying the health department.

Following the trial, ManorCare issued a statement expressing sympathy for Barber's family. The company, however, denied any wrongdoing and said it stands behind the care Barber was provided.

Barber's daughter, Lori Keith, said the verdict will allow her to begin the process of grieving the loss of her mother.

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