SHREVEPORT -- A family is suing a nursing home for their mother dying of COVID-19.
Archie Diggs, Latonya Becknell Flowers and Calvin Diggs, on behalf of the estate of Annie Lee Becknell, filed a complaint on April 20 in Caddo Parish District Court against Irving Place Associates LP d.b.a. Highland Place Rehab and Nursing Center (HPRNC). The defendant recently removed the case to federal court.
According to the complaint, Annie Lee Becknell was living in HPRNC to help manage long-term health issues. In 2020, the CDC began pushing information about COVID-19, and based upon the information provided at the time, COVID-19 was known to be a respiratory disease with no vaccination, the suit says.
On March 11, 2020, COVID-19 was declared an international pandemic. Annie Becknell was eventually exposed to COVID-19, despite the World Health Organization encouraging health care facilities to have enough Personal Protection Equipment and take precautions, the suit alleges. Becknell died on May 2, 2020.
Archie Diggs, Latonya Becknell Flowers and Calvin Diggs seek damages, expert witness fees, attorney's fees and cost of suit. Archie Diggs, Latonya Becknell Flowers and Calvin Diggs are represented by Ronald J. Miciotto.