Practicing Law With a Passion for the Rights of the Individual

Over 20 years ago, attorneys Jim Wilkes and Tim McHugh started one of the first nursing home abuse and neglect law firms in Tampa, Florida. Since that time, the firm has grown to more than 50 attorneys licensed to practice nursing home abuse and neglect litigation in over 15 states. In fact, lawyers with Wilkes & McHugh, P.A. have earned over $300 million in courtroom verdicts to date. Early Florida nursing home abuse and neglect lawsuit successes helped fuel the firm's expansion from Florida to our current ten offices in nine states. Click here for more information on our offices.

Sampling of Wilkes & McHugh, P.A. Nursing Home Neglect Verdicts*

  • Date
    October 31, 2008
    Amount
    $2 million
    Location
    Arizona
    Alleged Injuries
    Neglect by nursing home staff lead to Stage IV bedsore which eventually lead to resident's death
    Description:

    Attorneys from Wilkes & McHugh, P.A. represented the estate of Noyes Hanscome. Mr. Hanscome was 52 years old and had bladder cancer. He was diagnosed with end-stage renal disease and DVT's, so he was admitted to Evergreen Health and Rehabilitation Center for physical therapy.  During his stay he developed a Stage IV infected bedsore through which his tailbone was grossly exposed.  The facility was understaffed and they failed to provide doctor ordered treatments to help heal the wound.  Mr. Hanscome died prematurely as a result of the infected bedsore, leaving behind his wife and a 2 1/2 year old son.  Mr. Hanscome didn't die as a result of his bladder cancer, instead he died as a result of the abuse and neglect of those who promised to care for him.  This case was tried in Maricopa County, Arizona and the jury returned a verdict in favor of the Plaintiff, awarding $2,000,000 in damages.  

  • Date
    May 15, 2008
    Amount
    $2 million
    Location
    California
    Alleged Injuries
    Neglect by nursing home leading to pressure ulcers
    Description:

    Nursing home neglect attorneys from Wilkes & McHugh, P.A., represented the Estate of Mary Kathleen Adams. Mrs. Adams was admitted to Villa Valencia Health Care Center upon suffering a fractured leg. She subsequently developed pressure ulcers and was not given adequate treatment, such as daily skin checks. Mrs. Adams died as a result of the pressure ulcers. The jury returned a verdict of $1 million in compensatory damages and $1 million in punitive damages.

  • Date
    April 14, 2008
    Amount
    $6 million
    Location
    Arizona
    Alleged Injuries
    Neglect by nursing home leading to death from acute morphine intoxication
    Description:

    Nursing home neglect attorneys from Wilkes & McHugh, P.A., represented the Estate of Mary Culpepper. Mrs. Culpepper was admitted to Tucson Medical Center for treatment of sciatica pain. Upon discharge, a nurse inappropriately tripled Ms. Culpepper’s morphine order on the medication transfer form. When admitted to Manor Care, staff provided the incorrect dose of morphine to Mrs. Culpepper and then ignored Mrs. Culpepper’s signs and symptoms of morphine intoxication. The Pima County Medical Examiner determined the cause of death to be acute morphine intoxication. The jury returned a verdict of $6 million, holding Tucson Medical Center 10% responsible and Manor Care 90% responsible for the death of Mrs. Culpepper.

  • Date
    December 19, 2007
    Amount
    $3.5 million
    Location
    Pennsylvania
    Alleged Injuries
    Neglect and abuse by nursing home resulting in a fractured hip and multiple stage IV pressure sores
    Description:

    Attorneys for Wilkes & McHugh, P.A., represented the estate of Harry Wilson. Mr. Wilson, who suffered from dementia, often wandered from his home, which necessitated him being admitted to the nursing home for his safety. During his stay at the nursing home, Mr. Wilson suffered from seven falls, one of which resulted in a broken hip. While in the nursing home, he also became malnourished, dehydrated, and developed large stage IV bed sores. In the end, a faulty piece of equipment contributed to Mr. Wilson’s death. These injuries were the result of the facility’s lack of adequate staff and supplies due to budgeting decisions made by Genesis Health Ventures, Inc., the parent corporation of Mayo Clinic. The jury returned a unanimous verdict of $3.5 million.

  • Date
    February 21, 2007
    Amount
    $4.2 million
    Location
    Tennessee
    Alleged Injuries
    Neglect by nursing home staff resulting in multiple falls with fractures, a Stage IV pressure sore, leg contractures and infection.
    Description:

    Attorneys from Wilkes & McHugh, P.A. represented the estate of Cheatum Myers, who suffered from multiple falls resulting in fractures while under the care of a Tennessee nursing home. The testimony proved that Mr. Myers' fractured hip, which resulted from his seventh documented fall in the facility, was not treated or x-rayed for seven days, and that subsequent doctor's orders regarding his fractured hip were not followed. Due to neglect by the understaffed nursing home, Mr. Myers also developed a Stage IV pressure sore, leg contractures, urosepsis and bilateral pnumonia. The jury awarded a $4.2 million verdict.

  • Date
    August 24, 2006
    Amount
    $1.5 million
    Location
    Arizona
    W & M Attorneys
    Alleged Injuries
    Neglect by nursing home staff resulting in a Stage IV pressure sore, infection, and dehydration
    Description:

    Attorneys from Wilkes & McHugh, P.A. represented Dorothy Frieh, 81. She resided in an Arizona nursing home where she developed a stage IV pressure sore requiring flap surgery to repair. Due to the neglect by the nursing home staff, she also suffered from weight loss, infection and dehydration. The jury awarded $1.5 million in damages to the plaintiff.

  • Date
    August 16, 2006
    Amount
    $1.25 million
    Location
    Mississippi
    Alleged Injuries
    Neglect by nursing home staff resulting in dehydration and malnutrition.
    Description:

    Attorneys from Wilkes & McHugh, P.A. represented the estate of Hurry Lee Berry, 59. She entered a Mississippi nursing home with brain cancer, lung cancer, and diabetes. As a result of the neglect by the nursing home, she suffered from dehydration and malnutrition. The case was settled for $1.25 million.

  • Date
    May 26, 2006
    Amount
    $12 million
    Location
    Mississippi
    Alleged Injuries
    Neglect by nursing home staff resulting in infections, unexplained injuries, dehydration and death
    Description:

    Attorneys from Wilkes & McHugh, P.A. represented the estate of Mable Bradley who suffered multiple urinary tract infections as well as unexplained injuries while under the care of a Mississippi nursing home. The nursing home also neglected to provide enough water for Mrs. Bradley, resulting in death from dehydration.

  • Date
    May 4, 2006
    Amount
    $20 million
    Location
    Kentucky
    W & M Attorneys
    Alleged Injuries
    Neglect by nursing home staff leading to death.
    Description:

    Attorneys from Wilkes & McHugh, P.A. represented the estate of Loren Richards, 84, who died in a nursing home after nurses repeatedly ignored his cries for help. Mr. Richards was suffering from an impacted bowel, and subsequently died of a heart attack. Wilkes & McHugh, P.A. attorneys also alleged that the nursing home was understaffed due to companywide cost-cutting.

  • Date
    June 30, 2005
    Amount
    $12.8 million
    Location
    California
    W & M Attorneys
    Alleged Injuries
    Neglect by nursing home leading to multiple pressure sores and the amputation of right leg
    Description:

    Nursing home neglect attorneys from Wilkes & McHugh, P.A. represented Kenneth F. Morris who suffered from chronic decubitus ulcers all over his lower legs. The Defendants claimed that Mr. Morris was non-compliant with caregivers' instructions, that he was a smoker, that he had venous insufficiency, and that the amputation from infection was an inevitable part of his disease process. Wilkes & McHugh, P.A. lawyers proved that the facility was chronically understaffed and that Mr. Morris did not, in fact, have any medically diagnosed venous insufficiency. The jury returned a verdict of $12.8 million.

  • Date
    September 16, 2004
    Amount
    $9.7 million
    Location
    Mississippi
    Alleged Injuries
    Neglect by nursing home leading to pressure sores, falls, malnutrition, weight loss, dehydration, fractured pelvis
    Description:

    Nursing home neglect attorneys from Wilkes & McHugh, P.A. represented Earline Groves who suffered injuries including falls, dehydration, malnutrition, weight loss, bone fractures, poor hygiene, pressure sores, and infections. While in residence, Ms. Groves also suffered extreme pain, suffering, mental anguish, embarrassment, and fright. The jury returned a verdict of $1.5 million in compensatory damages.

  • Date
    July 28, 2004
    Amount
    $1 million
    Location
    Mississippi
    Alleged Injuries
    Neglect by nursing home leading to sexual abuse, multiple falls, lacerations requiring stitches, multiple pressure sores
    Description:

    Nursing home neglect attorneys from Wilkes & McHugh, P.A. represented the estate of Annie Allen who was sexually assaulted by another resident of the facility. Because of chronic short staffing, the nursing home failed to provide a safe environment leading to catastrophic injuries, disfigurement, extreme pain, suffering, and mental anguish. The jury returned a verdict of $1 million.

  • Date
    June 9, 2004
    Amount
    $727,500
    Location
    California
    W & M Attorneys
    Alleged Injuries
    Neglect by nursing home leading to Stage IV pressure sore to buttocks, left lying in urine and feces leading to fatal infection
    Description:

    In what is believed to be the first California case in which the plaintiff proved wrongful death by elder abuse, nursing home neglect attorneys from Wilkes & McHugh, P.A. represented Frank Hernandez who suffered a stage IV pressure sore during his residence at Upland Rehabilitation and Care Center. Jurors heard testimony that staff at the facility would sleep during their shifts and were not providing the care needed by the residents. The jury returned a verdict of $727,500 plus attorneys' fees and costs.

  • Date
    April 16, 2004
    Amount
    $1.99 million
    Location
    Arkansas
    W & M Attorneys
    Alleged Injuries
    Neglect by nursing home leading to inadequate restraint during transportation resulting in broken ankle and significant bruising to face, arms, and legs; failure to provide adequate nutrition; weight loss; pressure sores
    Description:

    Nursing home neglect attorneys from Wilkes & McHugh, P.A. represented the estate of Mildred Smith who, while being transported by the nursing home, was not properly restrained in her wheelchair. She flew out of the chair after a sudden stop and hit her face on the seat in front of her resulting in injuries. She subsequently received inadequate care and within 15 days of the accident developed three Stage III pressure sores resulting in infections. The jury returned a verdict of $1.99 million.

  • Date
    March 11, 2004
    Amount
    $10 million
    Location
    Mississippi
    W & M Attorneys
    Alleged Injuries
    Neglect by nursing home leading to amputation, poor hygiene, pressure sores
    Description:

    Nursing home neglect attorneys from Wilkes & McHugh, P.A. represented the estate of Mamie Crook whose left leg had to be amputated because staff provided substandard care. The nursing home would leave her to lie in her own waste for hours and did not turn her regularly, resulting in preventable bed sores. The jury returned a verdict of $10 million.

  • Date
    January 21, 2004
    Amount
    $1.6 million
    Location
    Arkansas
    Alleged Injuries
    Neglect by nursing home leading to pressure sores
    Description:

    Nursing home neglect attorneys from Wilkes & McHugh, P.A. represented the estate of Eula Givens whose one year and two month residence at Rose Care was marked by chronic urinary tract infections, blood and urine infections, malnutrition resulting in 41-pound weight loss, and 10 separate pressure sores – one deep enough to reveal bone. The jury returned a verdict of $1.6 million.

  • Date
    December 19, 2003
    Amount
    $6.5 million
    Location
    Mississippi
    W & M Attorneys
    Alleged Injuries
    Neglect by nursing home leading to pressure sores, numerous falls, dehydration, malnutrition, weight loss, infection, medication errors
    Description:

    Nursing home neglect attorneys from Wilkes & McHugh, P.A. represented the estate of Charles Edwards who suffered preventable bedsores. Mr. Edwards was persistently covered in his own dried feces and left to lie in urine-soaked bedding. The jury returned a verdict of $6.5 million.

  • Date
    August 26, 2003
    Amount
    $1.7 million
    Location
    Florida
    W & M Attorneys
    Alleged Injuries
    Neglect by nursing home leading to pneumonia, malnutrition, weight loss, two falls resulting in skin tears to her hands, and poor hygiene
    Description:

    Nursing home neglect attorneys from Wilkes & McHugh, P.A. represented Beulah Despain who suffered from unexplained weight loss; unassessed and inappropriately treated physical, mental and emotional problems; an unsafe environment; delays in the provision of care; inadequate preventative custodial skin care; and inconsistent and inappropriate documentation. The jury returned a verdict of $1.7 million.

  • Date
    February 21, 2003
    Amount
    $7.7 million
    Location
    Florida
    W & M Attorneys
    Alleged Injuries
    Neglect by nursing home leading to failure to monitor fluid intake and output, resulting in congestive heart failure
    Description:

    Nursing home neglect attorneys from Wilkes & McHugh, P.A. represented Elizabeth Evans whose death was a direct result of negligent care. Despite strict doctor’s orders, Beverly failed to monitor fluid intake and output resulting in Ms. Evans' death from congestive heart failure. The jury returned a verdict of $7.7 million in compensatory damages and indicated they wanted to award punitive damages before the case was settled.

  • Date
    November 26, 2002
    Amount
    $7 million
    Location
    Mississippi
    W & M Attorneys
    Alleged Injuries
    Neglect by nursing home leading to malnourishment, pressure sores
    Description:

    Nursing home neglect attorneys from Wilkes & McHugh, P.A. represented Elnora Johnson who had continually been malnourished and left with pressure sores in a bed soaked with urine and feces. The jury returned a verdict of $7 million, the largest ever in Leflore County, Mississippi.

  • Date
    March 23, 2002
    Amount
    $1.99 million
    Location
    Florida
    Alleged Injuries
    Neglect by nursing home leading to fall that resulted in a massive subdural hematoma, an unsafe environment, delays in the provision of care, and inconsistent and inappropriate documentation, as well as the other injuries.
    Description:

    Nursing home neglect attorneys from Wilkes & McHugh, P.A. represented Lucille Williams who fell, hit her head, and died six days after being admitted to Tandem Health Care. Although determined to be at high risk for falls, she was not supervised appropriately. She was not taken to the hospital when she fell and complained of a headache, nor when she became lethargic. In fact, Ms. Williams was not taken to the hospital until ten hours after the traumatic fall. By that time there was so much pressure from the blood that her brain shut down. The jury returned a verdict of $1.99 million.

  • Date
    June 22, 2001
    Amount
    $78.4 million
    Location
    Arkansas
    Alleged Injuries
    Neglect by nursing home leading to medical malpractice, tort of outrage, breach of contract, wrongful death
    Description:

    Nursing home neglect attorneys from Wilkes & McHugh, P.A. represented Margaretha Sauer who suffered from dehydration and malnutrition while in residence at Rich Mountain Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Because of the nursing home's negligence Ms. Sauer eventually went into kidney failure and ultimately died. The jury returned the largest verdict ever reached against an Arkansas nursing home, $78.4 million.

  • Date
    June 18, 2001
    Amount
    $1.02 million
    Location
    Arkansas
    Alleged Injuries
    Neglect by nursing home leading to amputation of both legs at the knee; multiple falls resulting in, bruising, black eyes, and skin tears
    Description:

    Nursing home neglect attorneys from Wilkes & McHugh, P.A. represented Jewell Emmett Boatright who suffered from bedsores on his hips, buttocks, scrotum, and both legs - resulting in their amputation above the knees. The nursing home's refusal to bathe him eventually led to painful and unsightly sores on his head. The jury awarded $1.02 million.

  • Date
    June 7, 2001
    Amount
    $12.3 million
    Location
    Arkansas
    Alleged Injuries
    Neglect by nursing home leading to medical malpractice, tort of outrage, breach of contract, wrongful death
    Description:

    Nursing home neglect attorneys from Wilkes & McHugh, P.A. represented the estate of Estelle Shaw who died just two weeks after falling out of bed and breaking her hip. Despite learning that Ms. Shaw could escape from a soft-belt restraint - and considering her pattern of frequently trying to get out of bed to go to the bathroom - the nursing home continued to rely on the inadequate restraint. The jury returned the largest verdict ever reached against an Arkansas nursing home at the time, $12.3 million.

  • Date
    April 4, 2001
    Amount
    $5.2 million
    Location
    California
    W & M Attorneys
    Alleged Injuries
    Neglect by nursing home leading to infliction of emotional distress, elder abuse, willful misconduct, willful violation of statutory standards, wrongful death
    Description:

    Nursing home neglect attorneys from Wilkes & McHugh, P.A. represented Margaret Muccianti who went to Willow Creek Care Center to recover from an operation to remove a blood clot in her leg. Thirty-two days later she was improperly discharged from the facility. Ms. Muccianti died shortly thereafter from complications arising out of a bowel disease that had gone undiagnosed and untreated by staff despite the fact that she had lost more than 30 pounds during her stay. The jury returned the largest verdict ever reached against a Fresno County, California nursing home, $5.2 million.

  • Date
    February 22, 2001
    Amount
    $1.54 million
    Location
    Arkansas
    Alleged Injuries
    Multiple bedsores, contractures, fractured hip, recurrent urinary tract infections
    Description:

    Wilkes & McHugh, P.A. represented Johnnie Morehead who suffered from bedsores so deep that the infection entered his bloodstream. He was often left to lie in his own waste for hours on end and was not bathed daily, contributing to his skin breakdown. The jury returned an award of $1.54 million.

  • Date
    October 27, 2000
    Amount
    $20 million
    Location
    Florida
    W & M Attorneys
    Alleged Injuries
    Neglect by nursing home leading to wrongful death, violation of Florida Nursing Home Residents' Rights statute
    Description:

    Nursing home neglect attorneys from Wilkes & McHugh, P.A. represented Charles McCorkle who may have gone unfed for a month, was not given medication, and did not receive treatment for an infection that turned gangrenous and required portions of a bone removed. The jury was so outraged by the neglect that one juror remarked that the verdict was meant, "to speak for those who can't speak for themselves." The jury returned a verdict of $20 million.

  • Date
    July 14, 2000
    Amount
    $3 Million
    Location
    Arkansas
    Alleged Injuries
    Neglect by nursing home leading to malnutrition, dehydration, pressure sores, infections, broken bones, amputations
    Description:

    Nursing home neglect attorneys from Wilkes & McHugh, P.A. represented Frances Jones who endured gruesome conditions that led to bedsores, fractures, the amputation of both her legs, and ultimately her death. The jury returned the largest verdict ever reached against an Arkansas nursing home at that time, $3 million.

  • Date
    March 31, 2000
    Amount
    $12 Million
    Location
    Florida
    Alleged Injuries
    Neglect by nursing home leading to violation of nursing home residents' rights statute
    Description:

    Nursing home neglect attorneys from Wilkes & McHugh, P.A. represented Leatha Collins, who died of dehydration after being sexually assaulted twice and physically assaulted once. The jury returned a verdict of $12 million.

  • Date
    March 31, 1999
    Amount
    $10 Million (settlement)
    Location
    Florida
    W & M Attorneys
    Alleged Injuries
    Neglect by nursing home leading to wrongful death
    Description:

    Nursing home neglect attorneys from Wilkes & McHugh, P.A. represented Marion Heide whose death was a direct result of grossly negligent care. A small scrape was left untreated and became so infected that she eventually lost her leg. The trauma of amputation - combined with being left to lie in her own waste for hours - ultimately killed her. After the jury returned a verdict of $6.2 million in compensatory damages, the case was settled for $10 million.

  • Date
    March 22, 1999
    Amount
    $15 Million
    Location
    Florida
    Alleged Injuries
    Neglect by nursing home leading to violation of Florida Nursing Home Residents' Rights statute
    Description:

    Nursing home neglect attorneys from Wilkes & McHugh, P.A. represented John Lee Butler, a Korean War veteran who died of starvation. The case led the foreman of this jury to say, "You're not dealing with goldfish you can flush away when they are dead." He and the jury heard testimony about a case that sent shock waves through the Tampa area for its graphic portrayal of negligence at its worst. The jury returned a verdict of $15 million.

Sampling of Successful Appellate Rulings by Wilkes & McHugh, P.A.

  • Date
    November 14, 2004
    Amount
    $26.4 Million (final judgment)
    Location
    Arkansas
    Alleged Injuries
    Description

    The United States Supreme Court allowed the Arkansas Supreme Court's decision on Sauer v. Advocat to stand. The Arkansas Court upheld the judgment while reducing the damages from $78.4 million to $26.4 million. Many believe this decision to be among the largest personal injury judgments left undisturbed by the United States Supreme Court.

    click here for Sauer vs. Advocat, Inc. jury verdict information

  • Date
    January 23, 2004
    Amount
    Location
    Florida
    Alleged Injuries
    Description

    In a landmark decision, the Fifth District Court of Appeals established the right of a personal representative to bring a lawsuit against a nursing home on behalf of a deceased resident. Before this decision, a deceased nursing home resident had limited protection to bring forth in a lawsuit if the nursing home's behavior did not contribute to the resident's death.

    The Court also held that a plaintiff need not establish evidence “beyond gross” negligence to establish liability for punitive damages. Further, the Court granted a new trial based on the defense's exercise of preemptory strikes against the only two African Americans on the jury venire. Nursing home neglect attorneys from Wilkes & McHugh, P.A. handled the appeal.

  • Date
    October 1, 2003
    Amount
    Location
    Florida
    Alleged Injuries
    Description

    In a landmark decision, the Fourth District Court of Appeals found that a nursing home's arbitration agreement violated the Florida Residents' Rights statute. This Court's decision affirmed a resident's right to access the courts and expanded the resident's ability to bring a lawsuit against wrongdoers, even when a signed arbitration agreement exists. Nursing home neglect attorneys from Wilkes & McHugh, P.A. handled the appeal.

  • Date
    December 12, 2002
    Amount
    Location
    Florida
    Alleged Injuries
    Neglect by nursing home leading to pressure sores, falls, malnutrition, infection
    Description

    In this landmark decision, the Florida Supreme Court affirmed a Florida nursing home resident's right to exclusively follow the presuit requirements under the Florida Nursing Home Resident Rights statute, as opposed to having to also comply with the Florida medical negligence standards. Moreover, the Court clarified that the Florida Nursing Home Residents Right statute "clearly demonstrates" the Florida Legislature intended a Florida nursing home to be liable for the “failure to provide a resident with appropriate observation, assessment, nursing diagnosis, planning, intervention, and evaluation of care" by Florida nursing home staff.

  • Date
    September 12, 2002
    Amount
    Location
    Florida
    Alleged Injuries
    Neglect by facility leading to fall, leg amputation, death
    Description

    Attorneys from Wilkes & McHugh, P.A. represented the estate of Frances Shelley who was found hanging upside down from the footboard area of her bed, with her head swollen, and her leg caught in the bed rail or footboard of the bed, a position she had been left in for six to eight hours. During the course of those hours, she sustained trauma and excoriation to her left leg, the circulation to her left leg was significantly impaired, and she sustained extensive nerve damage to her left leg.

    In this unanimous landmark decision, the Florida Supreme Court found that an employer does not have standing to challenge a discovery request based exclusively upon the privacy interest of its employees in their personnel files. In a concurring opinion, Justice Pariente wrote " The question becomes whom was the nursing home protecting when it raised a privacy objection to information in its personnel files."

  • Date
    May 21, 1996
    Amount
    Location
    Florida
    Alleged Injuries
    Description

    Nursing home neglect attorneys from Wilkes & McHugh, P.A. represented the Estate of James Earle Lowe in a case involving what Mr. Wilkes called "outrageous" and "reckless" conduct on the part of the nursing home. Mr. Lowe was subjected to substandard care and outright neglect, and received one of the largest verdicts ever in Florida against a nursing home. The jury returned a verdict of $2.7 million.

    Beverly appealed, arguing that the Nursing Home Resident Rights Statutes violated both the Constitution of the United States and the Florida Constitution. Wilkes & McHugh, P.A. handled every aspect of the appeal. The Appellate Court, without comment, rejected the nursing home's arguments and upheld the verdict.

  • Date
    December 8, 1993
    Amount
    $2.7 Million (jury verdict)
    Location
    Florida
    Alleged Injuries
    Neglect by nursing home leading to infected bedsores revealing bone, death
    Description

    Nursing home neglect attorneys from Wilkes & McHugh, P.A. represented Walter Spilman who was literally allowed to rot to death while in residence at a nursing home. Infected bedsores, so deep that his bone tissue was exposed, were a major contributor to his death. The jury returned a verdict of $2.7 million.

    In what was perhaps the most important ruling in this area of law in over a decade, Florida's Fifth District Court of Appeals set a new standard for recovery of damages on behalf of Florida nursing home residents who die due to mistreatment.