$491,747 Polk County, Iowa Verdict Against Grinnell Nursing Home

A jury in Polk County, Iowa has awarded $491,747 to the family of a nursing home resident who died while in the facility's care.

The verdict follows the June 2009 death of 89-year-old Wilbur Jackson, who was residing at Friendship Manor Care Center in Grinnell while rehabilitating from hip surgery. Nursing home staff was transporting Jackson on a gurney on a walkway outside the center when one of the gurney's wheels hit a crack and the gurney flipped over. Jackson's head struck the pavement and he lapsed into a coma and subsequently died.

Jackson's family brought suit against Grinnell's Friendship Manor, a South Dakota company that owns and operates Friendship Manor, and Midwest Ambulance. The jury in Polk County, Iowa found in the family's favor and assessed the damages at $546,386. Ninety percent of the fault was assigned to Friendship Manor, resulting in a $491,747 judgment against the facility. Midwest Ambulance was judged to be 10 percent at fault and was ordered to pay $54,639.