Tamara “Tammy” Bircumshaw, a 66-year-old Walmart greeter from Layton, Utah, died in July 2023 from sepsis linked to massive bedsores developed at Rocky Mountain Care in Clearfield. Her family alleges neglect caused stage-4 pressure ulcers the size of two iPhones (11x10x4 cm) during her 2022 rehab stay.​​
Injury Timeline
A Walmart back injury led to surgery, followed by hip deterioration requiring replacements; admitted July 2022 post-hip surgery, sores appeared in 11 days, delaying her second hip procedure as the surgeon refused due to the wound. She contracted MRSA a month later, with specialized wound care delayed until December 27, 2022, when three sores were diagnosed.​​
Lawsuit Allegations
The Bircumshaw family’s suit claims chronic understaffing caused neglect, despite $2.9 million in extra Medicaid funds; CMS data shows below-average staffing and $66,000+ fines. Son Kenny blames “total neglect,” noting her decline from cheery to miserable in pain; her final night, she whispered love to her grandson before dying.​​
Facility Response
Rocky Mountain Care declined comment due to the ongoing lawsuit when contacted by media. Lawyer Barry Toone seeks accountability for funding use and resident care standards.​
