Betsy Jentz, By And Through Her Power Of Attorney, Derek Skylar Aud vs. RRT Enterprises L.P., Et Al

On February 13, 2024, the California jury returned a $2,289,650 verdict in favor of 65-year-old Betsy Jentz who had suffered elder abuse and neglect at Country Villa Wilshire Convalescent Center.

Case Background

On June 29, 2022, an elder abuse and neglect lawsuit was filed on Plaintiff Betsy Jentz's behalf against the Defendants before the California Superior Court, Los Angeles County. Judges Stephanie M. Bowick, Daniel S. Murphy, Kevin C. Brazile, David J. Cowan, and Audra Mori presided over this case. [Case number: 22STCV21164] The Defendants included RRT Enterprises L.P., which operated as the skilled nursing facility known as Country Villa Wilshire Convalescent Center (the “Facility”). Boardwalk West Financial Services, LLC, was involved in managing the Facility. They authorized and directed its operations and oversaw the actions of its agents and employees. This included the employment, training, and supervision of administrators, directors of nursing, and other staff at the Facility. Defendant Shlomo Rechnitz, along with unnamed Defendants, was involved in the operation and management of the Facility.

Cause

Before her admission to the Facility, Betsy Jentz lived independently and was in excellent physical condition. However, in November 2020, she experienced a fall that resulted in fractured ribs and a hip. Following a total left hip hemiarthroplasty, Jentz began to show physical and mobility deficits. She also suffered pain that restricted her movement and daily activities. On November 30, 2020, Jentz was admitted to the facility for custodial care and rehabilitation services. Custodial care included assistance with daily living activities (ADLs) like mobility, nutrition, hydration, hygiene, medication, toileting, and bed management. Upon admission, Jentz was diagnosed with generalized muscle weakness and walking difficulties. She used a walker and had varying degrees of incontinence, using pads for bowel and bladder control. Her medications, including Eliquis, oxycodone, and tramadol, had side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, and muscle weakness. She required assistance with all ADLs and was assessed as not aware of her safety needs. Defendants knew she needed regular monitoring, supervision, and assistance but failed to