07/19/2010 // West Palm Beach, FL, USA // Sandra Quinlan // Sandra Quinlan
Stuart, FL—A residential treatment center (RTC) was sued for the alleged wrongful death of a former patient who drowned after being locked in a bathroom and left unattended for nearly an hour. The lawsuit, brought on by the patient’s daughter, claims negligence on the part of New Horizons of the Treasure Coast, according to a Wednesday, July 14, 2010 Palm Beach Post report.
Plagued by suicidal thoughts and bipolar disorder, Sharon Bronowicz voluntarily checked herself into Port St. Lucie Hospital Behavioral Health Center in September. Upon being evaluated by psychiatric professionals two months later, she was involuntarily transferred to New Horizons of the Treasure Coast where she remained there for the remainder of her life.
The wrongful death lawsuit was filed on behalf of Bronowicz’s daughter Renee Hill. It contends that although employees at the facility were aware of Bronowicz’s emotional and mental state, they were careless in leaving her unattended for such an extended period of time.
Hill was notified of her mother’s unfortunate demise only two weeks prior to her scheduled release from the treatment center. “I don’t think there are words to describe that kind of pain… To lose your best friend, your mother… I’m still at a loss for words,” Hill said.
While Bronowicz’s cause of death was initially believed to be suicide, it was later ruled accidental drowning. Additionally, Hill’s attorney contended that in the days prior to Bronowicz’s death, she had an alleged tendency to lie on the floor for several hours, weeping as she “asked for help and a hug”.
According to New Horizons CEO John Romano, on the other hand, “There’s another side to this story. We’ll have our say in court when the time comes.”
The case continues.
Legal News Reporter: Sandra Quinlan– Legal News for Florida Wrongful Death Lawyers.
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