A second lawsuit has been filed against Belair Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Lower Burrell, Pennsylvania, regarding the death of a resident who was injected with a lethal dose of insulin. The 15-count lawsuit, filed by Russell Colwell III on behalf of his grandmother Mary Colwell, alleges that she was a victim of former nurse Heather Pressdee. Pressdee is currently in jail, facing multiple murder and attempted homicide charges for her involvement in a years-long killing spree targeting numerous victims at various facilities.
Allegations of Negligence and Flawed Hiring Practices
Mary Colwell, aged 92 at the time of her death on December 28, 2021, was initially believed to have died from natural causes. However, investigators later informed the family that Pressdee’s actions may have resulted in her death. The lawsuit claims that Belair failed to follow stringent hiring practices and adequately monitor patients’ blood sugar levels, which could have prevented Colwell’s death. The family contends that those responsible for her care, including Belair and its parent company Guardian, failed in their duty.
History of Abusive Conduct and Failure to Investigate
Pressdee had a documented history of abusive conduct, having been fired or forced to resign from a dozen nursing homes and rehabilitation centers. The lawsuit points to Belair’s flawed hiring practices by employing Pressdee as an assistant director of nursing despite her alarming history of resident abuse at prior facilities. The complaint also mentions allegations of troubling behavior and suspicions by co-workers, suggesting that Pressdee was harming residents. Despite these concerns and a Department of Health inspection finding immediate jeopardy, the lawsuit claims that Belair failed to further investigate Pressdee after she admitted to not complying with the resident’s care plan and facility policy.
This lawsuit follows a similar legal action in October related to the death of another resident, Marianne Bower, allegedly at Pressdee’s hands. Both lawsuits accuse Belair, Guardian, and related entities of corporate negligence and wrongful death. Colwell is seeking damages and a jury trial, emphasizing Belair’s responsibility for preventing such tragic incidents through proper hiring practices and oversight.