Lawsuit alleges that Brighton Rehab is responsible for the deaths of over seventy-three residents, due to the facility’s reckless and intentional disregard of health recommendations and procedures for the handling of COVID-19.
Tomorrow, October 21st, three area law firms, Robert Peirce & Associates, Massa Butler Giglione and McMillen Urick Tocci & Jones will file a lawsuit in the Beaver County Court of Common Pleas against Brighton Rehabilitation and Wellness Center and the facility’s Medical Director, David G. Thimons, D.O. The three law firms represent fifteen of the residents and families of residents who were exposed to and diagnosed with COVID-19, ten of whom have died as a result of the virus.
The Complaint alleges that throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, from early March to the present, Brighton Rehab failed to follow necessary and vital precautions which would have prevented the rampant spread of COVID-19 throughout the facility. During this time, Brighton Rehab was cited by the Pennsylvania Department of Health for numerous regulatory violations that placed residents in “immediate jeopardy.” Allegations include that the facility failed to make sure proper social distancing protocols were followed by staff, that residents were not tested or quarantined away from other residents who had tested positive for COVID-19, proper PPE was not worn by staff, and proper cleaning protocols were not followed; all which lead to the cross contamination and spread of COVID-19.
In the end, at Brighton Rehab, over 300 residents and staff contracting the virus, and over 73 residents died as a result. In April, cases at Brighton Rehab accounted for approximately 54% of Beaver County’s 298 cases. At the time, 30 residents had died of COVID-19, which was nearly 85% of Beaver County’s total deaths.
“Unfortunately, the handling of COVID-19 at Brighton Rehab is another tragic instance where families trusted a facility to care for their loved ones and the facility failed to take steps which would have prevented numerous deaths,” Attorney Robert Daley stated. “Our three firms are dedicated to advocating for victims who are most suspectable to mistreatment, including the residents at Brighton Rehabilitation and Wellness Center.”
Information and details of the complaint can be provided by Robert N. Peirce III or Robert F. Daley of Robert Peirce & Associates, P.C.412-281-7229 or Pete Giglione 412-339-2543 or Kelly Tocci 724-375-6683.
The attorneys on this matter, along with several clients who are Plaintiffs in the lawsuit, will be available, in person, at the Beaver County Courthouse, at 810 3rd Street, Beaver, PA 15009 tomorrow, October 21, at 10:00 a.m. Should you wish to attend or participate in the press conference, please contact Robert Peirce and Associates, P.C. at 412-281-7229 to coordinate.
