Georgia Verdicts
Find out about the most important recent Georgia cases, selected by VerdictSearch editors. Coverage includes Fulton, DeKalb and Gwinnett counties. Subscribe to VerdictSearch Georgia for access to all Georgia verdictsPricing OptionsAmount:
$1,160,000
Type:
Decision-Plaintiff
State:
Georgia
Venue:
Rockdale County
Court:
Rockdale County, State Court
Injury Type(s):
head-fracture, skull;
brain-brain damage; shoulder-fracture (fracture, collarbone);
mental/psychological-cognition, impairment
Case Type:
Premises Liability; Nursing Homes – Abuse or Neglect, Negligent Supervision
Case Name:
Craig Franklin, as guardian of Wanda Franklin v. Ryan’s Hope, LLC, et al.,
No. 2012-SV-1493
Date:
November 21, 2013
Plaintiff(s):
Craig Franklin (Male),
Wanda Franklin (Female, 46 Years)
Plaintiff Attorney(s):
Katherine Jackson;
Decatur,
GA,
for
Craig Franklin, Wanda Franklin
Defendant(s):
Ryan’s Hope, LLC
Defense Attorney(s):
None Reported;
for
Ryan’s Hope, LLC
In Dec. 2010, Wanda Franklin, 46, a schizophrenic, was admitted to an inpatient care facility run by defendant Ryan’s Hope LLC, a nonprofit corporation. Her husband, Craig Franklin, had admitted her to the facility when he was no longer able to provide the care she required. In Feb. 2011, Mrs. Franklin jumped from a second story window in an apparent suicide attempt. She landed approximately 20 feet below. The jump did not result in a fatal injury, but she suffered fractures to her collarbone and skull, resulting in physical and cognitive limitations Craig Franklin, as Wanda Franklin’s guardian, sued Ryan’s Hope. He alleged that the facility was negligent in failing to have adequate safety procedures/devices in place to prevent falls such as this from occurring. Plaintiff further alleged that the facility was over-crowded, with more than twice the number of residents allowed by state law. Defendant failed to respond to the lawsuit and was found in default.
Wanda Franklin suffered a skull fracture, resulting in brain damage with cognitive disabilities. She also suffered a collarbone fracture. Plaintiff sought damages of $200,000 for past medical expenses related to the fall, as well as compensation for Mrs. Franklin’s pain and suffering and permanent impairments resulting from the fall.
Following a bench trial on damages, plaintiff was awarded $1,160,000, including $800,000 in damages and $360,000 for attorney fees.
Trial Length:
30
months
This report is based upon information obtained from the McAleer Law Firm website and an article published by the Fulton County Daily Report.