Wrongful death lawsuit filed against nursing home

GRETNA – The family of a man who allegedly died due to an accident at a nursing home are suing.

Kristine Taylor, Nicole Whitaker and Troy Dendinger, individually and as the surviving children and beneficiaries of the decent Nicholas Dendinger, filed suit against St. Joseph of Harahan LLC and their insurer in the 24th Judicial District Court on Nov. 7.

The plaintiffs contend that their father Nicholas Dendinger entered the care of St. Joseph of Harahan in October 2013 to recover from a stroke. Dendinger was allegedly sitting in a chair at the facility on Nov. 16, 2013 directly below a metal box covering a thermostat when an employe caused the metal box to fall on top of his head, resulting in a head injury. The plaintiffs claim after the incident Dendinger complained of headaches, dizziness and loss of balance and over the next five months his health declined and it was not until May 17, 2014 that an MRI revealed he had been injured in the incident. Dendinger died on Nov. 16, 2013 allegedly due to his injuries.

The defendant is accused of wrongful death.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for physical pain and suffering, medical bills, loss of enjoyment of life and loss of consortium.

The plaintiff are represented by John W. Redmann of the Gretna-based Law Office of John W. Redmann LLC.

The case has been assigned to Division D Judge Scott U. Schlegel.

Case no. 744-089.