Family files wrongful death lawsuit for nursing home death

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - The family of an 88-year-old Alzheimer's patient, who reportedly died after an altercation with another patient at the nursing home, has filed a wrongful death medical malpractice lawsuit.

The lawsuit claims that the Indianapolis-based Health & Hospital Corporation of Marion County (HHC) and American Senior Communities, LLC. (ASC) were negligent in causing the death of Betty Riley .

Riley's family said she had been a resident of Summit City Nursing & Rehabilitation, located at 2940 North Clinton Street in Fort Wayne, at the time of her death. Summit City is owned by HHC and leased to ASC to operate.

Riley reportedly died after an altercation with another patient at the nursing home on December 13, 2011.

The Allen County Coroner's Office said Riley died from injuries she suffered more than a week earlier when she was possibly pushed by another elderly resident and her head hit the floor.

The coroner's office ruled Riley's death a homicide because it was caused by another person.

Riley's family said this case involves an attempted cover-up of the homicide at the Summit City nursing home. The case also raises the issue of whether HHC is putting profits ahead of resident safety at its nursing homes in a push to fund the construction of the new Wishard hospital in Indianapolis.

The Riley's family and their attorneys will be holding a press conference at Boughter Law Office on West Berry Street on Tuesday, March 5 at 1:00 p.m.