Alachua County Lawsuit

When a vulnerable adult is placed in a licensed care facility, families expect safe, legal, and compassionate treatment. But when that doesn’t happen, Florida law provides powerful tools to hold negligent care providers accountable.

In a recent tragic case, a young adult with severe disabilities was placed in a group home unequipped to meet his medical needs. The result: neglect, medical decline, and ultimately, his death. Now, his family is suing for wrongful death, citing violations of Florida law and systemic abuse.

The lawsuit alleges that after state authorities removed the young man from his home, he was placed in a group home that was not licensed to accept residents with mobility impairments. Despite this, the facility accepted him and failed to provide even the most basic care.

The allegations include:

• Failing to provide his custom wheelchair
• Ignoring his need for medical nutrition and hydration
• Allowing him to become severely malnourished and dehydrated
• Failing to transport him to a medical facility until he was critically ill

He was eventually hospitalized in grave condition, suffered a cardiac arrest and stroke, and died months later in a non-responsive state.

Under Florida Statutes Chapter 393, individuals with developmental disabilities have clearly defined rights, especially when placed in licensed group homes or receiving services through the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD).

These rights include:

• Humane and dignified care
• Medical treatment and access to prescribed equipment
• Proper nutrition and hydration
• Interaction with family and participation in community life
• Protection from abuse, neglect, or exploitation

Facilities that fail to uphold these rights can face civil lawsuits under §393.13(5).

Florida’s Adult Protective Services Act (Chapter 415) gives further protection to individuals who cannot fully care for themselves due to disability or illness. Under §415.1111, vulnerable adults—or their families—can sue for damages if abuse or neglect by caregivers occurs.

In this case, the group home, its staff, and an affiliated medical consulting company are accused of violating both Chapter 393 and Chapter 415, leading to the resident’s suffering and eventual death.

In Florida, several parties may be held responsible when a vulnerable adult is harmed due to negligence or abuse:

• Group home companies (for failing to meet licensing requirements or for negligent staffing)
• Individual employees or managers (who directly failed to act)
• Medical case management companies (for not intervening or monitoring a patient’s condition)
• Licensed providers contracted by APD (for failing to develop required support plans)

This lawsuit includes claims for:

• Negligence
• Violation of the rights of persons with developmental disabilities
• Abuse and neglect of a vulnerable adult
• Wrongful death

This case is a sobering reminder that even licensed care facilities can fall dangerously short. But Florida law allows families to pursue justice—and prevent future tragedies—by holding negligent providers accountable in court.

If your loved one has suffered harm due to neglect, abuse, or medical malpractice in a care facility, you have legal options. Florida’s laws are designed to protect the most vulnerable—and our firm is here to help you enforce those rights.

We represent families in wrongful death, medical malpractice, and institutional negligence cases across Florida. Our team knows how to expose violations, build a strong case, and fight for justice.