A recent court filing alleges severe negligence and fiduciary breaches by a prominent retirement community, potentially putting vulnerable residents at risk. The Estate of Susan Patricia Golden, represented by Lawrence Griffin Plunkett, filed the complaint on June 25, 2024, in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida, against Suncoast Manor Retirement Community Inc., Westminster Services Inc., Catherine Chabrier, and Jason Patrick Brunner.

The case revolves around Susan Patricia Golden’s stay at Westminster Suncoast from August 17 to August 24, 2022. According to the complaint, during her brief residency, Golden was subjected to substandard care that violated her rights as a resident under Florida Statute 400.022. The plaintiff accuses the defendants of failing to properly supervise staff and ensure adequate staffing levels. This alleged negligence resulted in significant harm to Golden, including bodily injury, pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and increased medical expenses.

Lawrence Griffin Plunkett asserts that Suncoast Manor Retirement Community Inc., which operated Westminster Suncoast under a fictitious name owned by them and managed by Westminster Services Inc., breached their duty of care. He claims that both entities failed to exercise reasonable care as required by Florida Statutes §400.023(5). Furthermore, administrators Catherine Chabrier and Jason Patrick Brunner are accused of not fulfilling their responsibilities to comply with all relevant laws and professional standards.