TOMS RIVER, N.J. — The estate of Andrea Palendrano has filed a sweeping wrongful death lawsuit in Ocean County Superior Court against Wellington Estates, Tower Lodge Care Center, Jersey Shore University Medical Center and affiliated entities, alleging negligence, understaffing and failures in care contributed to her death in February 2024.
The complaint, filed by Christina Palendrano on behalf of the estate and surviving family members, seeks compensatory and punitive damages, alleging Andrea Palendrano suffered a series of preventable injuries while under the care of multiple healthcare providers.
Lawsuit names multiple healthcare providers
The lawsuit names Wellington Estates in Spring Lake, Tower Lodge Care Center in Wall Township, Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Hackensack Meridian Health and numerous affiliated entities and individuals as defendants.
According to the complaint, Andrea Palendrano resided at Wellington Estates until Jan. 3, 2024, received care at Jersey Shore University Medical Center between Jan. 3 and Jan. 8, then again from Jan. 25 until her death on Feb. 11, 2024, and stayed at Tower Lodge Care Center from Jan. 8 through Jan. 25.
- Wrongful death complaint filed in Ocean County Superior Court.
- Lawsuit names assisted living, nursing home and hospital defendants.
- Plaintiff seeks compensatory and punitive damages.
Complaint alleges fall, neglect and inadequate care
Among the allegations, the lawsuit claims Palendrano suffered a fall at Wellington Estates on or about Jan. 3, 2024, resulting in a fractured femoral neck that required hospitalization.
The complaint further alleges defendants failed to prevent pressure ulcers, dehydration, malnutrition, infections, sepsis, respiratory failure and other complications. It also claims there were failures in pain management, staffing, monitoring, hygiene, compliance with physician orders and resident rights protections.
The lawsuit additionally alleges inadequate staffing, falsification of records, delayed treatment and failures to provide appropriate nutrition and hydration contributed to Andrea Palendrano’s declining condition and eventual death. These allegations have not been proven in court.
Family seeks damages under multiple legal claims
The complaint includes claims for negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, violations of the New Jersey Nursing Home Responsibilities and Rights of Residents Act and punitive damages.
Plaintiffs also seek production of medical records, staffing records, incident reports, facility policies, electronic communications and ownership records as part of the litigation.
The defendants have not yet responded to the allegations in court. A civil complaint contains allegations by the plaintiffs, and the claims will be subject to the judicial process.
What is the lawsuit about?
The complaint alleges negligent care by multiple healthcare providers caused preventable injuries and ultimately Andrea Palendrano’s death in February 2024.
Who is being sued?
The lawsuit names Wellington Estates, Tower Lodge Care Center, Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Hackensack Meridian-affiliated entities and other defendants identified in the complaint.
Have the allegations been proven?
No. The filing is a civil complaint containing allegations that have not been adjudicated by the court, and the defendants will have an opportunity to respond.
Sources: Ocean County Superior Court Complaint
