A Nassau County jury has awarded $5 million to the family of Henry Serrapica, a 69-year-old U.S. Army veteran and former postal worker from Lynbrook, who developed severe health complications while at South Shore Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Freeport, according to court documents. Serrapica’s family claims his health deteriorated due to inadequate care, culminating in his death from severe sepsis.
The lawsuit was initiated by Matthew Serrapica, the victim’s son, who argued that his father experienced “inhumane” treatment during his time at the facility. The case was brought against South Shore and Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital in Oceanside, though the latter was dismissed from the suit in 2021. “My dad deserved far better treatment than he received,” said Matthew, who visited his father frequently during his stays. “This decision brings a sense of justice for our family.”
After a weeklong trial in Nassau County’s State Supreme Court, the jury awarded $4 million for pain and suffering and $1 million in punitive damages. “The family expected him to recover and be able to come home,” remarked Ryan McAllister, the Serrapica family’s attorney, who described the verdict as one of the largest he has seen against a rehabilitation center.
Caitlin Robin, representing South Shore, expressed that her client views the jury’s decision as a “miscarriage of justice” and plans to appeal. Henry Serrapica was initially transferred to South Shore on January 19, 2018, after battling pneumonia, following a history of stroke and organ transplants.
During multiple admissions, Serrapica developed Stage 4 pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores, in various areas of his body, such as his heel, pelvis, and buttocks. Court records indicate that Serrapica’s medical plan required him to be turned regularly, every two to four hours; however, McAllister cited a lack of adherence to this provision.
As Serrapica’s wounds worsened, his condition necessitated repeated visits to Mount Sinai, where he was diagnosed with osteomyelitis and sepsis. Despite returning to South Shore after treatment, his situation continued to deteriorate. Records also show that during his last hospitalization, he suffered from a significant pressure injury measuring 16 inches by 9 inches.
While South Shore maintains that appropriate care protocols were followed, Serrapica’s family argues otherwise, citing six falls and instances of neglect, such as being found in soiled clothing and malnourished. At one point, his weight plummeted from 145 pounds upon admission to 106 pounds weeks before his death. He passed away on December 26, 2019.
Matthew Serrapica attempted to secure his father a place at the Long Island State Veterans Home in Stony Brook but was unable to do so before his father’s death. “No amount of money can replace him or the time lost,” he said. “Even just a single day would have meant the world to me.”
This case underscores potential systemic issues in the care provided within rehabilitation facilities, emphasizing the importance of oversight and accountability in patient care.
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