A shocking incident at a Pennsylvania care home has led to a lawsuit alleging gross negligence and abuse. On July 3, 2024, Jennifer J. Cole filed a complaint in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County against Fawn Personal Care Home, Inc., along with its associated entities FV Ventures, LLC, and Fawn Care LLC.
The lawsuit stems from an incident on July 10, 2022, involving Harry J. Cole, a 74-year-old dementia patient residing at Fawn Personal Care Home. According to the complaint, Harry was assaulted by Luke Bondra, an aide at the facility. The complaint alleges that Bondra violently shoved Harry into a metal object and then onto the floor after Harry's walker made contact with Bondra's legs while trying to reach the bathroom. The impact caused Harry to suffer a laceration on his left forearm and a contusion on his left hip. Instead of providing immediate medical attention or assistance, Bondra allegedly left Harry on the floor and exited the room.
The situation escalated when Harry eloped from the care home later that evening around 9:30 p.m. It wasn't until Fawn Township Fire Rescue spotted him walking down the road that authorities were alerted. Eventually, a motorist found Harry and took him to Allegheny Valley Hospital where he was treated for his injuries. The police arrested Bondra shortly thereafter.
Jennifer J. Cole accuses Fawn Personal Care Home of corporate negligence and vicarious liability for failing to provide adequate care and supervision for her father. The complaint lists multiple failures including inadequate training of staff, failure to prevent assault by staff members, failure to protect residents from harm, and failure to follow state regulations designed to ensure resident safety.
The plaintiff is seeking compensatory damages exceeding jurisdictional arbitration limits for medical expenses incurred due to the assault as well as for pain and suffering experienced by Harry J. Cole during his stay at the facility.
Representing Jennifer J. Cole are attorneys Scott M. Simon, David A. Martin, and Noah S. Lesik from Robert Peirce & Associates P.C., while Judge David A. Martin presides over Case ID GD-23-004209.