Patients of Bob Dean request increased compensation in class action lawsuit
More than three years after the evacuation of over 800 residents from nursing homes owned by Bob Dean to a warehouse during Hurricane Ida, some family members are urging for additional compensation for the suffering endured. The conditions at the warehouse deteriorated, leading state officials to transfer residents out via ambulances and other means on September 2, 2021.
While a significant number of Bob Dean’s patients affected during Hurricane Ida have received checks through a class-action settlement, a few family members voiced emotional pleas in court for further financial compensation to adequately address their trauma. Nearly half of the 843 patients relocated to the warehouse have participated in the class-action lawsuit against Dean, sharing a portion of nearly $9 million from the insurance funds related to the case. Retired Judge Rusty Knight, appointed as the special master in this lawsuit, examined medical records and distributed payments to patients or their surviving family members, ranging from $10,000 to $55,000, based on individual circumstances.
The residents received inadequate care and faced distressful living conditions in the warehouse, prompting their families to seek additional financial remuneration to compensate for the harsh experiences witnessed during the aftermath of Hurricane Ida. The emotional pleas in court reflect the deep-seated desire for more comprehensive support to address the physical and psychological anguish incurred during the evacuation period.
The compensation received through the class-action settlement signifies a step towards acknowledging the suffering of Bob Dean’s patients, but families advocate for further reparations to help them recover and regain stability after enduring the traumatic events associated with the evacuation. These emotional appeals emphasize the need for compassionate financial aid to facilitate healing and restoration in the lives of the impacted individuals.
The allocation of funds to patients or their relatives presents a means of recognizing the hardships faced during the crisis, paving the way for a more substantial redress to promote recovery and resilience among those affected by the ordeal. The calls for increased financial assistance echo the sentiments of families grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Ida, underscoring the urgency of providing adequate support to rebuild lives in the wake of the traumatic evacuation experience.
