Jones, Skelton & Hochuli, PLC is pleased to announce Partner Donn Alexander and Associate Cory Tyszka obtained a unanimous defense verdict in a home healthcare matter. This case involved allegations of abuse, neglect, and negligence relating to the care of an elderly woman with dementia. Plaintiff alleged that Defendants’ caregiver employee was negligent in failing to respond to the elderly woman’s calls for help, causing the woman to fall and break her hip after she got up from her bed without assistance. Plaintiff further alleged that Defendants were negligent in failing to properly train and supervise the caregiver. Plaintiff also sought punitive damages. The Defense maintained that the caregiver’s actions were reasonable, that Defendants exceeded the standard of care in training and supervising the caregiver, and that the woman’s fall was not caused by Defendants’ or the caregiver’s conduct. Plaintiffs claimed $877,874.64 in damages due to pain and suffering, medical bills and expenses, and loss of enjoyment of life. The case was tried in Maricopa County Superior Court before the Honorable Rosa Mroz. After a 6-day trial, the jury returned a unanimous defense verdict on January 30, 2018.
Donn Alexander specializes in health care litigation, with a particular emphasis on hospital defense, medical malpractice, drug and medical device litigation, and defense of long-term care facilities. Donn has extensive experience representing local and national health care clients in state and federal court, arbitration, mediation and administrative proceedings. He has successfully tried numerous cases to verdict.
Cory Tyszka focuses her practice in the areas of medical malpractice and health care liability defense, products liability, and wrongful death and personal injury defense. She represents all manner of medical service providers—including hospitals, physicians and nurses—as well as pharmaceutical and supplement manufacturers.