The Terry Law Firm is representing the Gunter family in a wrongful death lawsuit against NHC Maryland Heights, seeking justice for their mother and wife, Sandra Gunter.

Allegations of the Lawsuit

Sandra Gunter was admitted to NHC Maryland Heights in October of 2023 and remained a resident for about two months. From the moment of her admission, the facility staff knew she was at high risk for falls and had a duty to implement appropriate prevention measures to ensure her safety.

Four days after she was admitted to the facility Sandra fell in the dining room and was found face down on the floor. A few days after this falls staff noted that Sandra required “substantial/maximal” assistance and was completely dependent on facility staff for mobility. Staff also noted that she was completely unable to walk on her own.

Despite this clear evidence of her vulnerability, Sandra experienced four more falls, each of them unwitnessed by staff members who were supposed to be supervising her.  Plaintiffs allege in their Petition that each incident should have prompted an immediate reassessment of her care plan and possible changes to how the facility provide care to her. Instead, no changes were made to improve her safety or prevent further harm.

By December, it was noted that Sandra’s leg was weak and that she needed partial / moderate assistance to move. On December 2, she experienced her sixth fall. She was found on the floor beside her bed, barefoot, with visible swelling on the right side of her face, bruising around her eye, and bleeding from her mouth.

She was taken to the hospital with a large facial hematoma and laceration on her lower lip. A CT scan showed acute right 6-9 rib fractures and an acute left subdural hematoma with a left-to-right midline shift. She died on December 14 as a direct result of the traumatic brain injury she suffered during that final fall at NHC Maryland Heights.

You can read the full petition here:

More on NHC Maryland Heights

NHC Maryland Heights, one of six NHC facilities in Missouri, is located at 2920 Fee Fee Rd, Maryland Heights, MO 63043. This facility provides skilled nursing, long-term care, rehabilitation, home care, and hospice services. According to its website, the facility emphasizes:

• We respect your privacy, dignity, and confidentiality
• We provide personalized experiences and anticipate your needs
• We earn your trust through our actions

Assessments are completed on each resident at NHC Maryland Heights so staff members can anticipate each resident’s needs, so they can be proactive in their care and respond promptly and effectively to any concerns. In Sandra’s case, the family alleges that NHC failed to meet Sandra’s needs and as a result, their failure directly led to her death.

The Terry Law Firm stands with the Gunter family in their pursuit of justice and are honored to have been chosen to represent them.

If you have concerns about a loved one at NHC Maryland Heights or any other NHC facility, call the Terry Law Firm at 314-878-9797.