Settlement in Fall Case
The Morning Call reported a $250,000 settlement in a nursing home fall case. Lehigh County and Good Shepherd Rehabilitation will pay $250,000 to settle claims that inadequate staffing led to Shirley Leibenguth’s death. Cedarbrook understaffed its registered nurses by 30% and its CNAs 14%-22% compared with safe staffing standards. This profited them more than $2.5 million-$3 million each year, the suit claims.
The county and Good Shepherd admit no liability or fault as a result of the settlement.
According to the settlement agreement, Charles Beck, who is the administrator of Leibenguth’s estate would receive $75,625, while Liebenguth’s other brother, Thomas Beck, would receive $50,417. The remainder of the settlement amount would go to paying back recoupment costs, medical bills, and Estate liens from Medicare and Medicaid.