In a deeply troubling case that underscores significant shortcomings in elder care facilities in South Carolina, the family of Jack L. Tribble has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against National Healthcare Corporation, NHC/OP L.P., NHC/Delaware Inc., The Palmettos of Bluffton LLC, and Hendrick Contracting and Home Design Inc.
Jack Tribble, a retired Senior Patent Counsel for Merck & Co., was cherished by his family and friends. He was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia, meaning that Jack required specialized care for his wandering tendencies, which prompted his admission to The Palmettos of Bluffton on February 14, 2022.
Despite the facility’s assurances of a safe and secure environment tailored to memory-impaired residents, Jack’s care fell disastrously short. The memory care unit at NHC was designed to be a secure wing of the facility, and the only way in or out of the facility was by unlocking the doors via an electronic keypad. However, on August 23, 2022, Jack wandered away from the facility when an employee of Hendrick Contracting allowed Jack to exit the facility while the Hendrick employee exited the facility to remove construction debris.
Horrifically, Jack wandered away from the facility unsupervised and was found dead in a swampy area on September 6, 2022. His death, attributed to acute bronchopneumonia associated with environmental exposure, has been a profound loss to his family.
The lawsuit filed by Rikard & Protopapas attorneys Robert Rikard and Brian Barnwell alleges a series of critical failures by the defendants:
- **Lack of Proper Supervision:** Despite clear indicators of Jack’s high risk for elopement, the facility failed to maintain adequate supervision. This includes the negligent handling of a GPS-enabled Gizmo watch meant to monitor his location.
- **Breaches During Construction:** Hendrick Contracting, engaged for construction work at the facility, reportedly allowed an employee to exit the secured area without ensuring Jack did not follow. This employee did not alert the facility staff about Jack’s exit, exacerbating the risk to his safety. Additionally, the NHC staff failed to monitor the exit doors of the memory care unit and did not guard against Jack exiting the facility unsupervised.
- **Delayed Response and Mismanagement:** The facility staff failed to notice Jack’s absence for over three hours and reported it to law enforcement only after this significant delay. Such delays are critical in cases involving vulnerable individuals.
- **Non-Compliance with Care Plans:** The defendants are accused of failing to adhere to established care plans and physician’s orders, including the regular use and maintenance of Jack’s Gizmo watch.
“This case is a stark reminder of the critical importance of rigorous standards in elder care,” said Robert G. Rikard, the family’s attorney. “The gross negligence displayed by these defendants deprived Jack Tribble of the dignity and security he deserved, causing irreparable harm and damage to his family.”
The lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages for the wrongful death of Jack Tribble, his suffering, and the emotional and financial distress inflicted on his family. Beyond seeking justice for Jack, the Tribble family hopes this case will draw attention to the urgent need for reforms in elder care facilities to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Elder care facilities have a profound responsibility to their residents and their families. This case serves as a powerful call to action for all stakeholders in the elder care industry to prioritize resident safety, adhere strictly to care protocols, and ensure comprehensive training for all staff and contractors.
Jack Tribble’s story is a heartbreaking example of what can go wrong when these responsibilities are not met. As we advocate for justice and reform, we honor his memory and strive to create a safer, more compassionate environment for all seniors.
For more information on this case or to learn how you can support elder care reform, please contact the attorneys at Rikard & Protopapas LLC. Together, we can work towards a future where our loved ones receive the care and dignity they deserve in their golden years.