In a gripping legal battle that underscores the vulnerability of nursing home residents, the estate of Carolyn Watson has filed a lawsuit against multiple entities and individuals associated with the Pinellas Park Post-Acute and Rehabilitation Center. The complaint was filed by Julianna Watson, the personal representative of Carolyn Watson’s estate, in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida on December 23, 2024. The defendants include Pinellas Park FL Opco, LLC; Tampa 5 FL Holdco LLC; Everview Group LLC; Innovation Healthcare Services LLC; Isaac Moskowitz; Allan Garfinkel; Ellisa Durrant; and Philip H. Hibnick.

The case revolves around allegations of negligence and wrongful death following Carolyn Watson’s stay at the Pinellas Park facility from February 3, 2022, until her discharge on December 6, 2023. According to the complaint, during her residency at the facility operated under various management companies including Pinellas Park FL Opco, LLC and Tampa 5 FL Holdco LLC, Carolyn Watson suffered due to inadequate care which allegedly led to her untimely death on December 26, 2023. The plaintiff accuses these entities and individuals of failing to properly train staff and ensure adequate staffing levels necessary for meeting residents’ needs. “Defendants breached their duty to ensure there was sufficient staff to meet the needs of Carolyn Watson,” states one part of the complaint.

Julianna Watson claims that these failures constituted violations under Florida Statute §400.022 regarding residents’ rights. Furthermore, she alleges that corporate misconduct by defendants such as diverting funds meant for resident care resulted in insufficient resources for proper healthcare provision. “Defendant PINELLAS PARK FL OPCO, LLC diverted money away from Carolyn Watson’s care,” reads another section of the document.