Plaintiff alleges nursing home neglect led to resident’s death

In a gripping legal battle, the Court of Appeals in Richland County, Ohio, has upheld a previous ruling favoring a nursing home against claims of negligence and wrongful death. The case was filed by Sarah Miller, representing the estate of Mary Holt, against Lexington Court Care Center and several associated entities on June 6, 2024. The complaint was initially dismissed but later refiled with additional allegations.

Sarah Miller’s lawsuit accused Lexington Court Care Center and its affiliates of direct and vicarious liability for the injuries and subsequent death of Mary Holt, who had been admitted to the facility following a stroke that left her paraplegic. Holt passed away on August 5, 2020. Miller’s allegations were based on violations of Ohio Revised Code §3721.10 and §3721.13, commonly known as the Nursing Home Bill of Rights, which guarantees residents’ rights to adequate care and a safe environment.

Despite these serious accusations, the trial court granted summary judgment in favor of the defendants on April 8, 2025. The court found that Miller failed to provide sufficient evidence to support her claims or demonstrate any breach of duty by the defendants that could have led to Holt’s death. A key issue was the lack of expert testimony linking alleged negligence directly to Holt’s injuries or death.

Miller’s appeal contended that the trial court erred in dismissing her claims without adequately considering her evidence or allowing for further discovery. However, the appellate court concluded that there were no genuine issues of material fact warranting a trial and affirmed the lower court’s decision.

The plaintiff sought damages for wrongful death under Ohio law but faced challenges due to procedural missteps such as failing to timely serve all parties involved and not providing necessary expert affidavits beyond those attached to initial complaints.

The appellate panel consisted of Judges Craig R. Baldwin, Andrew J. King, and Robert G. Montgomery with attorneys Blake A. Dickson representing Sarah Miller and Leslie M. Jenney defending Lexington Court Care Center et al., Case No: 2025 CA 0033.