Family Resolves Claims Against Wilmington Nursing Home

The Star-News of Wilmington reported last week that the family of Garland Garrett has settled its case against the Wilmington nursing home where he was beaten to death. NCAJ member Joel Rhine represented the Garrett family in its lawsuit against Spring Arbor of Wilmington. Garrett, a former N.C. Secretary of Transportation, died after being beaten by a fellow resident in September 2020. The resident had a history of violent behaviors at the facility.

While representing the family, Rhine has spoken out against the COVID-19 immunity law (North Carolina General Statutes §§ 90-21.131 to 90-21.134), which provides legal protection for nursing homes and other healthcare providers against negligence if their actions are somehow related to COVID-19. NCAJ and members of its Professional Negligence Section are working to get the law changed.