New Orleans, Louisiana – Elderly residents of seven nursing homes in Louisiana, who were relocated to a poorly equipped warehouse during Hurricane Ida in 2021, are now being offered settlements totaling nearly $9 million after filing a lawsuit. Retired state judge William “Rusty” Knight revealed that all 427 former residents who submitted legal claims will receive letters detailing the proposed settlement, with varying amounts based on individual circumstances.
Those who accept the settlement offer will receive their funds within a few weeks, while a hearing in January will address any challenges to the proposed agreement. Despite progress in reaching a settlement, Knight noted that the amount allocated is insufficient to fully compensate the affected individuals for their ordeal at the warehouse. The ordeal stemmed from the decision made by Bob Dean Jr., owner of seven nursing homes in New Orleans and southeast Louisiana, to relocate hundreds of residents to a warehouse in Independence as Hurricane Ida approached.
Following Hurricane Ida’s impact on August 29, 2021, authorities discovered distressing conditions at the warehouse, including elderly residents lying on wet mattresses on the floor, deprived of proper care. Tragic outcomes ensued, with the state confirming the deaths of seven evacuees, five of which were linked to the storm. Dean faced legal repercussions for his role in the crisis, losing licenses and funding for his facilities, and ultimately pleading no contest to criminal charges and agreeing to substantial financial penalties.
In a separate settlement with the federal government, Dean agreed to pay $8.2 million to resolve allegations of misappropriating funds from several nursing homes. Despite these legal actions, Dean continues to face civil lawsuits from numerous patients and their families who suffered due to the inadequate evacuation plan executed during Hurricane Ida. Attorney Matthew Hemmer, representing a significant portion of the victims, emphasized the ongoing quest for justice following the trauma inflicted on the nursing home residents.
Knight highlighted the unfortunate passing of 165 former residents since the evacuation, underscoring the profound impact of the warehouse ordeal on the vulnerable population. As settlement responses are awaited, the aftermath of Hurricane Ida’s disastrous evacuation continues to unfold, shedding light on the necessity of ensuring proper care and protection for elderly individuals during emergencies.
