Craig Latchaw, 64, died on December 23, 2024, from complications of a cervical spine fracture and C1-C2 misalignment after an unwitnessed fall at Caprice Health Care Center in North Lima, Ohio, while trying to reach the bathroom; his family alleges staff negligence led to his “premature death” ruled accidental by the Mahoning County Coroner.
Despite known high fall risks from his mobility issues, oxygen/trach dependency, pain meds, and psychotropics—plus frequent unanswered call lights causing prior incidents—two STNAs found him on the floor on December 12 afternoon. A nurse assessed him inadequately, missing head/neck trauma, and staff lifted him back to bed without further action; his decline wasn’t recognized for 17 hours until he became lethargic on December 13.
EMS transported him to Mercy St. Elizabeth Boardman Hospital, where CT scans confirmed the catastrophic injuries; he was transferred to MetroHealth’s trauma unit, developed pneumonia, respiratory distress, and tachycardia, and entered hospice comfort care after spine surgery was deemed too risky. The facility’s nursing director reportedly told family he “had a right to fall,” refusing interventions without prior cause.
Latchaw’s lawsuit against Caprice accuses recklessness, including ignored risks, delayed response, incompetent assessment, and profit-driven understaffing, seeking jury trial and damages for negligence and conscious disregard.
This case exposes systemic issues in nursing homes, like understaffing and poor protocols for vulnerable residents, eroding trust in promised care.
