Food Poisoning Deaths in Antioch
A Thanksgiving holiday dinner turned deadly in Antioch for several residents of an assisted living center. As details have surfaced at a snail’s pace over the past week, family members of the victims struggle to cope with the loss of their loved ones and want to know who is responsible for the tragedy.
What Happened?
While most people celebrated their Thanksgiving meal by catching up with family and friends, eight elderly individuals living in assisted living facilities located in Antioch got sick from food poisoning during the Thanksgiving holiday celebration. Three of these individuals ended up dying. Everyone who fell ill came from two different assisted living centers located in the area; however, both facilities are licensed and operated by the same company, Minerva’s Place. Minerva’s Place has several other locations in the area.
Food Poisoning Responsible
While all eight people fell ill over the Thanksgiving holiday, it is unclear when these individuals contracted food poisoning. The medical examiner and other professionals are investigating. It is possible they contracted the food poisoning at their assisted living center prior to Thanksgiving dinner. It is also possible that the Thanksgiving dinner made them sick. This dinner was provided by the Golden Hills Community Church and was held at the Veterans Memorial Building and American Legion Hall. The church also provides Thanksgiving meals on Brentwood and Bethel Island. In total, the church fed over 1600 people; however, no one else had gotten sick according to the church.
Three Fatalities
While three people did die from food poisoning, four other people have since been treated and released from the hospital. One person remains hospitalized. Autopsies are going to be performed on the three people that have died and the Department of Social Services is likely to look into the assisted living facilities for more information. The spokesman for the California Department of Social Services has already stated that he is collecting all of the information before looking into the issues related to Minerva’s Place. Since Minerva’s Place was licensed in 2007, it has received three or four citations for unclear complaints. One of the citations was from last year and is still under appeal. The other two citations are for minor issues, such as paperwork or administrative errors.
Assisted Living Facilities
When families place their trust in an assisted living facility, there is a certain level of professionalism that individuals expect this living facility to meet. If the assisted living facility fails to meet this standard, it is possible that people can wind up getting seriously injured or killed. For family members of those suffering a wrongful death under the protection of a nursing home, it is vital that they seek the help of an experienced personal injury attorney. Family members have the right to seek justice on behalf of their loved ones.
Antioch Food Poisoning Injury and Wrongful Death Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, an Antioch Food Poisoning Attorney. If you or your loved one has become ill or passed away and you suspect food poisoning, please call me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly advice. When you call me we will go over the details of your case and decide the best way to proceed. It is free to call and talk to me and there is no obligation to you.
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Image Attribution: By Pink Sherbet at Creative Commons, via Wikimedia Commons
:DR