Article Page One: Atlanta Journal Constitution by Beth Warren -  Staff Reporter   Date: 14 October, 2002

A Lawrenceville nursing home failed to properly care for an elderly man who developed several health problems, a doctor wrote in a report two weeks before the patient died. The man's daughter, Bonita Williams, is using the Gwinnett Hospital System doctor's findings in a personal injury lawsuit filed in Fulton County against LifeCare Center of Gwinnett.  Williams, of Lithonia, is seeking compensation for her father's "pain, suffering and injuries" during his 18-month stay at the center on Safehaven Drive. The lawsuit, filed last month, also names as defendants the center's former administrator and the nursing home's parent company, Tennessee-based LifeCare Centers of America Inc. An attorney for LifeCare could not be reached for comment Friday.

Eddie Lee Williams Sr., 78, suffered from severe dehydration while at the center and developed anemia, severe and infected bed sores and a urinary tract infection, the lawsuit alleges. "Apparently, his care was somewhat less than adequate," Dr. Phillip H. Nakano wrote in a report after evaluating Williams Dec. 19 at Gwinnett Medical Center. Williams died Jan. 1. The lawsuit alleges that Williams' health deteriorated, and he suffered a "gruesome and agonizing death" due to injuries, which included pressure sores on his hips, leg, foot and heel.

The suit also says LifeCare was negligent by failing to provide enough qualified nurses, nursing assistants, aides and orderlies to care for patients. LifeCare officials have not responded to the lawsuit and have asked for an extension before filing an answer to the allegations, said Williams' attorney, Paul Sizemore.

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