FILED: RICHMOND COUNTY CLERK 03/20/2024 11:59 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 20
`
`INDEX NO. 151955/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 03/20/2024
`
`OF THE STATE
`COURT
`SUPREME
`COUNTY
`OF RICHMOND
`__________________________________________________________________Ç
`of
`the Estate
`as Administratrix
`PATRICIA
`of JOSEPH
`
`MILLER,
`BROGNA,
`
`Deceased,
`
`OF NEW YORK
`
`AMENDED
`COMPLAINT
`
`VERIFIED
`
`Plaintiff(s),
`
`-against-
`
`Index
`
`No.:
`
`151955/2023
`
`LAKES
`CLOVE
`REHABILITATION
`
`HEALTHCARE
`
`and
`
`CENTER,
`
`INC.,
`
`Defendant(s).
`________________________________________________________________Ç
`
`Plaintiff(s),
`
`by
`
`their
`
`attorneys,
`
`KRENTSEL
`
`GUZMAN
`
`HERBERT,
`
`LLP.,
`
`complaining
`
`of
`
`the Defendants,
`
`CLOVE
`
`LAKES
`
`HEALTHCARE
`
`AND REHABILITATION
`
`CENTER,
`
`INC.,
`
`upon
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief
`
`respectfully
`
`alleges
`
`as follows:
`
`INTRODUCTION
`
`1.
`
`This
`
`action
`
`is being
`
`commenced
`
`due to
`
`Defendants'
`
`abject
`
`and
`
`longstanding
`
`failure
`
`to maintain
`
`a system
`
`for preventing,
`
`identifying,
`
`reporting,
`
`investigating,
`
`and controlling
`
`infections
`
`and
`
`communicable
`
`diseases
`
`for
`
`all
`
`and
`
`other
`
`and
`
`residents,
`
`staff,
`
`volunteers,
`
`visitors,
`
`individuals,
`
`Defendants'
`
`failure
`
`to adequately
`
`care
`
`for
`
`and
`
`protect
`
`its elderly
`
`and
`
`vulnerable
`
`residents,
`
`which
`
`led to the
`
`death
`
`of
`
`the
`
`decedent,
`
`JOSEPH
`
`BROGNA,
`
`from
`
`COVID-19
`
`(known
`
`colloquially
`
`as the
`
`"coronavirus")
`
`infection
`
`on January
`
`28,
`
`2021.
`
`2.
`
`On
`
`January
`
`23,
`
`2020,
`
`and
`
`again
`
`on
`
`February
`
`24,
`
`2021,
`
`CLOVE
`
`LAKES
`
`HEALTHCARE
`
`AND REHABILITATION
`
`CENTER,
`
`INC.
`
`was
`
`cited
`
`by
`
`government
`
`inspectors
`
`and
`
`regulators
`
`for
`
`violation
`
`of
`
`federal
`
`and
`
`state
`
`regulations
`
`for
`
`failing
`
`to establish
`
`and maintain
`
`an
`
`1
`
`1 of 25
`
`

`

`FILED: RICHMOND COUNTY CLERK 03/20/2024 11:59 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 20
`
`INDEX NO. 151955/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 03/20/2024
`
`infection
`
`prevention
`
`and
`
`control
`
`program
`
`designed
`
`to provide
`
`a safe,
`
`sanitary
`
`and
`
`comfortable
`
`environment
`
`and
`
`to help
`
`prevent
`
`the
`
`development
`
`and
`
`transmission
`
`of communicable
`
`diseases
`
`and
`
`infections.
`
`3.
`
`According
`
`to the Center
`
`for Medicare
`
`Services,
`
`CLOVE
`
`LAKES
`
`HEALTHCARE
`
`AND REHABILITATION
`
`CENTER,
`
`INC.,
`
`had
`
`a below
`
`average
`
`staffing
`
`rating
`
`4.
`
`In addition,
`
`prior
`
`to the coronavirus
`
`emergency
`
`in New York,
`
`on February
`
`6, 2020,
`
`HEALTHCARE
`
`AND REHABILITATION
`
`placed
`
`on
`
`CLOVE
`
`LAKES
`
`CENTER,
`
`INC.
`
`was
`
`notice
`
`by Centers
`
`for Medicare
`
`and Medicaid
`
`Services
`
`that
`
`coronavirus
`
`infections
`
`can
`
`rapidly
`
`appear
`
`and
`
`spread,
`
`and
`
`that
`
`it was
`
`critical
`
`that
`
`the
`
`nursing
`
`home
`
`be
`
`prepared
`
`by
`
`planning
`
`for
`
`infectious
`
`and
`
`diseases
`
`response,
`
`including
`
`having
`
`sufficient
`
`personal
`
`protective
`
`equipment
`
`(PPE)
`
`available.
`
`5.
`
`However,
`
`CLOVE
`
`LAKES
`
`HEALTHCARE
`
`AND REHABILITATION
`
`CENTER,
`
`infections
`
`prior
`
`to and
`
`INC.
`
`failed
`
`to take
`
`proper
`
`precautions
`
`to help
`
`prevent
`
`the
`
`development
`
`of
`
`leading
`
`up
`
`Defendants'
`
`to
`
`the
`
`COVID-19
`
`pandemic.
`
`As
`
`a
`
`direct
`
`and
`
`foreseeable
`
`consequence
`
`of
`
`the
`
`failure,
`
`as of
`
`January
`
`4, 2022,
`
`there
`
`was
`
`a confirmed
`
`COVID-related
`
`death
`
`count
`
`of
`
`17
`
`residents
`
`who
`
`died
`
`inside
`
`CLOVE
`
`LAKES
`
`HEALTHCARE
`
`AND
`
`REHABILITATION
`
`INC.
`
`and
`
`26 resident
`
`deaths
`
`outside
`
`of
`
`the
`
`facility.
`
`CENTER,
`
`due
`
`to COVID-19
`
`6.
`
`The
`
`claims
`
`against
`
`Defendants
`
`asserted
`
`herein
`
`are
`
`premised
`
`on
`
`violation
`
`of
`
`resident's
`
`rights
`
`laws
`
`pursuant
`
`to Public
`
`Health
`
`Law sec.2801-d,
`
`negligence
`
`and
`
`gross
`
`negligence,
`
`and wrongful
`
`death.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`also
`
`seeks
`
`recovery
`
`for
`
`punitive
`
`damages
`
`from
`
`the Defendants
`
`based
`
`upon
`
`its
`
`longstanding
`
`grossly
`
`negligent
`
`and
`
`reckless
`
`actions
`
`in failing
`
`to protect
`
`residents
`
`from
`
`harm.
`
`2
`
`2 of 25
`
`

`

`FILED: RICHMOND COUNTY CLERK 03/20/2024 11:59 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 20
`
`INDEX NO. 151955/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 03/20/2024
`
`PARTIES
`
`TO THIS
`
`ACTION:
`
`7.
`
`That
`
`at all
`
`times
`
`hereinafter
`
`mentioned,
`
`the Plaintiff,
`
`PATRICIA
`
`MILLER,
`
`is the
`
`sister
`
`of
`
`the
`
`decedent,
`
`JOSEPH
`
`BROGNA,
`
`and
`
`is resident
`
`of
`
`the County
`
`of Richmond,
`
`State
`
`of
`
`New York.
`
`8.
`
`Plaintiff,
`
`PATRICIA
`
`MILLER,
`
`is
`
`the
`
`Administrator
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Estate
`
`JOSEPH
`
`BROGNA
`
`the
`
`interest
`
`of
`
`the
`
`decedent,
`
`JOSEPH
`
`BROGNA,
`
`and
`
`his Estate,
`
`in this
`
`representing
`
`action.
`
`9.
`
`At
`
`all
`
`times
`
`hereinafter
`
`mentioned,
`
`the
`
`decedent,
`
`JOSEPH
`
`BROGNA,
`
`was
`
`a
`
`resident
`
`of
`
`the County
`
`of Richmond,
`
`State
`
`of New York
`
`10.
`
`That
`
`at
`
`all
`
`times
`
`hereinafter
`
`mentioned,
`
`Defendant
`
`CLOVE
`
`LAKES
`
`HEALTHCARE
`
`AND
`
`REHABILITATION
`
`CENTER,
`
`INC.
`
`was
`
`and
`
`still
`
`is
`
`a
`
`domestic
`
`corporation
`
`under
`
`and
`
`virtue
`
`of
`
`the
`
`laws
`
`of
`
`the
`
`State
`
`its
`
`duly
`
`existing
`
`by
`
`of New York,
`
`having
`
`principal
`
`place
`
`of business
`
`at 25 Fanning
`
`Street,
`
`Staten
`
`Island,
`
`New York.
`
`11.
`
`That
`
`at
`
`all
`
`times
`
`hereinafter
`
`mentioned,
`
`Defendant
`
`CLOVE
`
`LAKES
`
`HEALTHCARE
`
`AND
`
`REHABILITATION
`
`CENTER,
`
`INC.
`
`was
`
`and
`
`still
`
`is
`
`a
`
`domestic
`
`corporation
`
`duly
`
`existing
`
`under
`
`and
`
`by
`
`virtue
`
`of
`
`the
`
`laws
`
`of
`
`the State
`
`of New York,
`
`having
`
`its
`
`of business
`
`Staten
`
`New York.
`
`principal
`
`place
`
`at 25 Fanning
`
`Street,
`
`Island,
`
`12.
`
`That
`
`at
`
`all
`
`times
`
`hereinafter
`
`mentioned,
`
`Defendant
`
`CLOVE
`
`LAKES
`
`HEALTHCARE
`
`AND
`
`REHABILITATION
`
`CENTER,
`
`INC.
`
`was
`
`and
`
`still
`
`is
`
`a
`
`domestic
`
`corporation
`
`duly
`
`existing
`
`under
`
`and
`
`by
`
`virtue
`
`of
`
`the
`
`laws
`
`of
`
`the State
`
`of New York,
`
`having
`
`its
`
`principal
`
`place
`
`of business
`
`at 25 Fanning
`
`Street,
`
`Staten
`
`Island,
`
`New York.
`
`3
`
`3 of 25
`
`

`

`FILED: RICHMOND COUNTY CLERK 03/20/2024 11:59 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 20
`
`INDEX NO. 151955/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 03/20/2024
`
`13.
`
`That
`
`at
`
`all
`
`times
`
`hereinafter
`
`mentioned,
`
`Defendant
`
`CLOVE
`
`LAKES
`
`HEALTHCARE
`
`AND REHABILITATION
`
`CENTER,
`
`INC.
`
`was
`
`authorizedtodobusinessasa
`
`nursing
`
`home
`
`at 25 Fanning
`
`Street,
`
`Staten
`
`Island,
`
`New York.
`
`14.
`
`That
`
`at
`
`all
`
`times
`
`hereinafter
`
`mentioned,
`
`Defendant
`
`CLOVE
`
`LAKES
`
`HEALTHCARE
`
`AND REHABILITATION
`
`CENTER,
`
`INC.
`
`owned
`
`a nursing
`
`home
`
`facility
`
`at25
`
`Fanning
`
`Street,
`
`Staten
`
`Island,
`
`New York.
`
`15.
`
`That
`
`at
`
`all
`
`times
`
`hereinafter
`
`mentioned,
`
`Defendant
`
`CLOVE
`
`LAKES
`
`HEALTHCARE
`
`AND REHABILITATION
`
`CENTER,
`
`INC.
`
`owned
`
`a nursinghome
`
`facility
`
`at 25
`
`Fanning
`
`Street,StatenIsland,
`
`New York.
`
`16.
`
`That
`
`at
`
`all
`
`times
`
`hereinafter
`
`mentioned,
`
`Defendant
`
`CLOVE
`
`LAKES
`
`HEALTHCARE
`
`AND REHABILITATION
`
`CENTER,
`
`INC.
`
`operated
`
`a nursinghome
`
`facility
`
`at
`
`Street,
`
`Staten
`
`Island,
`
`New York.
`
`25 Fanning
`
`17.
`
`That
`
`at
`
`all
`
`times
`
`hereinafter
`
`mentioned,
`
`Defendant
`
`CLOVE
`
`LAKES
`
`HEALTHCARE
`
`AND REHABILITATION
`
`CENTER,
`
`INC.
`
`was
`
`the
`
`lessor
`
`of
`
`a nursing
`
`home
`
`facility
`
`located
`
`at 25 Fanning
`
`Street,
`
`Staten
`
`Island,
`
`New York.
`
`18.
`
`That
`
`at
`
`all
`
`times
`
`hereinafter
`
`mentioned,
`
`Defendant
`
`CLOVE
`
`LAKES
`
`HEALTHCARE
`
`AND REHABILITATION
`
`CENTER,
`
`INC.
`
`was
`
`the
`
`lessee
`
`of
`
`a nursing
`
`home
`
`facility
`
`located
`
`at 25 Fanning
`
`Street,
`
`Staten
`
`Island,
`
`New York.
`
`19.
`
`That
`
`at
`
`all
`
`times
`
`hereinafter
`
`mentioned,
`
`Defendant
`
`CLOVE
`
`LAKES
`
`HEALTHCARE
`
`AND REHABILITATION
`
`CENTER,
`
`INC.
`
`maintained
`
`a nursinghome
`
`facility
`
`located
`
`at 25 Fanning
`
`Street,
`
`Staten
`
`Island,
`
`New York.
`
`20.
`
`That
`
`at
`
`all
`
`times
`
`hereinafter
`
`mentioned,
`
`Defendant
`
`CLOVE
`
`LAKES
`
`HEALTHCARE
`
`AND REHABILITATION
`
`CENTER,
`4
`
`INC.
`
`4 of 25
`
`

`

`FILED: RICHMOND COUNTY CLERK 03/20/2024 11:59 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 20
`
`INDEX NO. 151955/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 03/20/2024
`
`managed
`
`a nursing
`
`home
`
`facility
`
`located
`
`at 25 Fanning
`
`Street,
`
`Staten
`
`Island,
`
`New York.
`
`21.
`
`That
`
`at
`
`all
`
`times
`
`hereinafter
`
`mentioned,
`
`Defendant
`
`CLOVE
`
`LAKES
`
`HEALTHCARE
`
`AND REHABILITATION
`
`CENTER,
`
`INC.
`
`managed
`
`a nursing
`
`home
`
`facility
`
`located
`
`at 25 Fanning
`
`Street,
`
`Staten
`
`Island,
`
`New York.
`
`22.
`
`That
`
`at
`
`all
`
`times
`
`hereinafter
`
`mentioned,
`
`Defendant
`
`CLOVE
`
`LAKES
`
`HEALTHCARE
`
`AND REHABILITATION
`
`CENTER,
`
`INC.
`
`supervised
`
`a nursing
`
`home
`
`facility
`
`located
`
`at 25 Fanning
`
`Street,
`
`Staten
`
`Island,
`
`New York.
`
`23.
`
`That
`
`at
`
`all
`
`times
`
`hereinafter
`
`mentioned,
`
`Defendant
`
`CLOVE
`
`LAKES
`
`HEALTHCARE
`
`AND REHABILITATION
`
`CENTER,
`
`INC.
`
`inspected
`
`a nursing
`
`home
`
`facility
`
`located
`
`at 25 Fanning
`
`Street,
`
`Staten
`
`Island,
`
`New York.
`
`24.
`
`That
`
`at
`
`all
`
`times
`
`hereinafter
`
`mentioned,
`
`Defendant
`
`CLOVE
`
`LAKES
`
`HEALTHCARE
`
`AND REHABILITATION
`
`INC.
`
`CENTER,
`
`controlled
`
`a nursing
`
`home
`
`facility
`
`located
`
`at
`
`25 Fanning
`
`Street,
`
`Staten
`
`Island,
`
`New York.
`
`25.
`
`That
`
`at
`
`all
`
`times
`
`hereinafter
`
`mentioned,
`
`Defendant
`
`CLOVE
`
`LAKES
`
`HEALTHCARE
`
`AND REHABILITATION
`
`CENTER,
`
`INC.
`
`Conducted
`
`business
`
`as an adult
`
`care
`
`facility
`
`at 25 Fanning
`
`Street,
`
`Staten
`
`Island,
`
`New York
`
`licensed
`
`and
`
`defined
`
`under
`
`New York
`
`Public
`
`Health
`
`Law §2801(2).
`
`That
`
`at
`
`all
`
`times
`
`hereinafter
`
`mentioned,
`
`Defendant
`
`CLOVE
`
`LAKES
`
`HEALTHCARE
`
`AND
`
`REHABILITATION
`
`CENTER,
`
`INC.
`
`controlled
`
`a nursing
`
`home
`
`facility
`
`located
`
`at 25 Fanning
`
`Street,
`
`Staten
`
`Island,
`
`New York.
`
`26.
`
`That
`
`at
`
`all
`
`times
`
`hereinafter
`
`mentioned,
`
`Defendant
`
`CLOVE
`
`LAKES
`
`HEALTHCARE
`
`AND REHABILITATION
`
`CENTER,
`
`INC.
`
`had
`
`possession
`
`and
`
`control
`
`of
`
`the
`
`building
`
`located
`
`at 25 Fanning
`
`Street,
`
`Staten
`
`Island,
`
`New York.
`
`5
`
`5 of 25
`
`

`

`FILED: RICHMOND COUNTY CLERK 03/20/2024 11:59 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 20
`
`INDEX NO. 151955/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 03/20/2024
`
`STATEMENT
`
`OF FACTS
`
`27.
`
`New York
`
`State
`
`law,
`
`10 NYCRR 415.1s
`
`-
`
`"Infection
`
`control
`
`requires
`
`that CLOVE
`
`LAKES
`
`HEALTHCARE
`
`AND
`
`REHABILITATION
`
`CENTER,
`
`INC.
`
`maintain
`
`an
`
`infection
`
`control
`
`designed
`
`to provide
`
`a safe,
`
`sanitary,
`
`and
`
`comfortable
`
`environment
`
`in which
`
`residents
`
`reside
`
`and
`
`to help
`
`prevent
`
`the
`
`development
`
`and
`
`transmission
`
`of disease
`
`and
`
`infection,
`
`in which
`
`residents
`
`reside
`
`prevent
`
`development
`
`and
`
`and
`
`to
`
`help
`
`the
`
`and
`
`transmission
`
`of
`
`diseases
`
`infections,
`
`investigates,
`
`controls
`
`and
`
`takes
`
`actions
`
`to prevent
`
`infections
`
`in the
`
`facility
`
`and
`
`determines
`
`what
`
`procedures
`
`such
`
`as isolation
`
`and
`
`universal
`
`precautions
`
`should
`
`be utilized
`
`for
`
`an individual
`
`resident
`
`and
`
`implements
`
`the
`
`appropriate
`
`procedures.
`
`28.
`
`Federal
`
`law,
`
`including
`
`CFR
`
`483.65,
`
`further
`
`mandates
`
`that
`
`CLOVE
`
`LAKES
`
`HEALTHCARE
`
`AND
`
`REHABILITATION
`
`CENTER,
`
`INC.
`
`maintain
`
`a
`
`sufficient
`
`Infection
`
`Prevention
`
`and Control
`
`Program,
`
`and
`
`that
`
`the
`
`facility
`
`maintains
`
`and
`
`utilizes
`
`sufficient
`
`Personal
`
`Protective
`
`Equipment
`
`(PPE),
`
`including
`
`gloves,
`
`gowns
`
`and masks.
`
`29.
`
`In or about
`
`January
`
`2020,
`
`and
`
`likely
`
`earlier,
`
`Defendants
`
`were made
`
`aware
`
`of severe
`
`acute
`
`respiratory
`
`syndrome
`
`coronavirus
`
`2 (SARS-CoV-2)
`
`spreading
`
`world-wide
`
`and
`
`nationally,
`
`known
`
`colloquially
`
`as the coronavirus,
`
`that
`
`caused
`
`severe medical
`
`distress
`
`and
`
`death
`
`in individuals
`
`who
`
`contracted
`
`the
`
`disease,
`
`especially
`
`the
`
`elderly.
`
`30.
`
`SARS-CoV-2
`
`is known
`
`and
`
`documented
`
`to cause
`
`debilitating
`
`and
`
`deadly
`
`disease,
`
`the Coronavirus
`
`Disease
`
`2019
`
`(COVID-19).
`
`31.
`
`COVID-19
`
`can
`
`and
`
`has
`
`spread
`
`rapidly
`
`in long-term
`
`residential
`
`care
`
`facilities
`
`and
`
`persons
`
`with
`
`chronic
`
`underlying
`
`medical
`
`conditions
`
`are at greater
`
`risk
`
`for COVID-19.
`
`6
`
`6 of 25
`
`

`

`FILED: RICHMOND COUNTY CLERK 03/20/2024 11:59 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 20
`
`INDEX NO. 151955/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 03/20/2024
`
`32.
`
`As
`
`of
`
`June
`
`1, 2020,
`
`at
`
`least
`
`40,600
`
`residents
`
`and workers
`
`have
`
`died
`
`from
`
`COVID-
`
`19 at nursing
`
`homes
`
`and
`
`other
`
`long-term
`
`care
`
`facilities
`
`for
`
`older
`
`adults
`
`in the United
`
`States.
`
`As of
`
`January
`
`30,
`
`2021,
`
`at
`
`least
`
`16,000
`
`residents
`
`of
`
`long
`
`term care
`
`facilities
`
`died
`
`of COVID-19.
`
`33.
`
`On February
`
`6, 2020,
`
`the Centers
`
`for Medicare
`
`& Medicaid
`
`Services
`
`(CMS)
`
`issued
`
`to CLOVE
`
`LAKES
`
`HEALTHCARE
`
`AND REHABILITATION
`
`written
`
`memoranda
`
`CENTER,
`
`INC.
`
`advising
`
`that
`
`coronavirus
`
`infection
`
`can
`
`rapidly
`
`appear
`
`and
`
`spread,
`
`and
`
`facilities
`
`must
`
`take
`
`steps
`
`to
`
`prepare
`
`for
`
`this,
`
`including
`
`reviewing
`
`their
`
`infection
`
`control
`
`policies
`
`and
`
`practices
`
`to
`
`prevent
`
`the
`
`spread
`
`of
`
`infection.
`
`CMS
`
`confirmed
`
`that
`
`nursing
`
`homes
`
`had
`
`prior
`
`notice,
`
`including
`
`prior
`
`recent
`
`public
`
`health
`
`events
`
`such
`
`as Ebola
`
`2009
`
`pandemic
`
`H1N1
`
`and
`
`from
`
`virus,
`
`influenza,
`
`Zika
`
`outbreaks,
`
`of
`
`the
`
`critical
`
`need
`
`for
`
`nursing
`
`homes
`
`to be prepared
`
`with
`
`appropriate
`
`personal
`
`protective
`
`equipment
`
`(PPE)
`
`use
`
`and
`
`availability,
`
`such
`
`as gloves.
`
`Gowns.
`
`Respirators,
`
`and
`
`eye
`
`protection.1
`
`34.
`
`On or about
`
`September
`
`1, 2020,
`
`through
`
`on or about
`
`January
`
`28,
`
`2021,
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`decedent
`
`JOSEPH
`
`BROGNA
`
`was
`
`admitted
`
`to Defendant's
`
`facility,
`
`and
`
`during
`
`his
`
`admission,
`
`was
`
`SARS-CoV-2
`
`and
`
`developed
`
`distress
`
`and
`
`infected
`
`with
`
`and
`
`COVID-19,
`
`respiratory
`
`hypoxia,
`
`which
`
`resulted
`
`in her
`
`untimely
`
`death
`
`on January
`
`28,
`
`2021.
`
`35.
`
`Prior
`
`to
`
`the
`
`arrival
`
`of
`
`coronavirus,
`
`CLOVE
`
`LAKES
`
`HEALTHCARE
`
`AND
`
`REHABILITATION
`
`CENTER,
`
`INC.
`
`had
`
`a longstanding
`
`history
`
`of
`
`failing
`
`to
`
`provide
`
`proper
`
`infection
`
`prevention
`
`and
`
`control
`
`procedures,
`
`and
`
`despite
`
`being
`
`armed
`
`with
`
`knowledge
`
`of
`
`prior
`
`for Healthcare
`Facilities
`Information
`Concerning
`https://www.cms.gov/files/documents/aso-20-09-allpdf.
`
`2019 Novel
`
`Coronavirus
`
`IIIness
`
`(2019-nCov)
`
`7
`
`7 of 25
`
`

`

`FILED: RICHMOND COUNTY CLERK 03/20/2024 11:59 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 20
`
`INDEX NO. 151955/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 03/20/2024
`
`public
`
`health
`
`infection
`
`events,
`
`failed
`
`to
`
`take
`
`steps
`
`to
`
`prepare
`
`to
`
`prevent
`
`the
`
`spread
`
`of
`
`future
`
`infections.
`
`36.
`
`As
`
`a direct
`
`and
`
`foreseeable
`
`consequence
`
`of
`
`such
`
`failures,
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`decedent
`
`JOSEPH
`
`BROGNA
`
`has
`
`sustained
`
`loss,
`
`damages,
`
`injury
`
`and
`
`death,
`
`and
`
`his
`
`survivors
`
`also
`
`suffered
`
`loss
`
`and
`
`damages
`
`as a direct
`
`consequence
`
`of
`
`the
`
`same.
`
`37.
`
`As
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`below,
`
`the
`
`claims
`
`asserted
`
`herein
`
`are
`
`premised
`
`on
`
`violations
`
`of
`
`residents'
`
`rights
`
`laws
`
`pursuant
`
`to Public
`
`Health
`
`Law sec. 2801-d,
`
`negligence
`
`and
`
`gross
`
`negligence,
`
`and wrongful
`
`death.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`also
`
`seeks
`
`recovery
`
`for
`
`punitive
`
`damages
`
`from
`
`the Defendants
`
`based
`
`upon
`
`the
`
`aforementioned
`
`causes
`
`of
`
`action,
`
`and
`
`conduct
`
`that
`
`was
`
`grossly
`
`reckless,
`
`willful,
`
`and
`
`wanton.
`
`AS AND FOR A FIRST
`NEW YORK
`PUBLIC
`
`CAUSE
`HEALTH
`
`PURSUANT
`OF ACTION
`LAW 2801-D
`
`and
`
`2803C
`
`TO
`
`38.
`
`That
`
`at
`
`all
`
`times
`
`hereinafter
`
`mentioned,
`
`Defendant
`
`CLOVE
`
`LAKES
`
`HEALTHCARE
`
`AND REHABILITATION
`
`CENTER,
`
`INC.
`
`is a facility
`
`providing
`
`therein
`
`nursing
`
`care
`
`to sick,
`
`invalid,
`
`infirmed,
`
`disabled,
`
`or convalescent
`
`persons
`
`in addition
`
`to lodging
`
`and
`
`board
`
`or health
`
`related
`
`services
`
`pursuant
`
`to New York
`
`Public
`
`Health
`
`Law §2801(2).
`
`39.
`
`At
`
`all
`
`times
`
`hereinafter
`
`Defendant
`
`CLOVE
`
`LAKES
`
`HEALTHCARE
`
`mentioned,
`
`AND REHABILITATION
`
`CENTER,
`
`INC.
`
`is a facility
`
`providing
`
`therein
`
`nursing
`
`care
`
`to
`
`sick,
`
`invalid,
`
`infirmed,
`
`disabled,
`
`or
`
`convalescent
`
`persons
`
`in
`
`addition
`
`to
`
`lodging
`
`and
`
`board
`
`or
`
`health
`
`related
`
`services
`
`pursuant
`
`to New York
`
`Public
`
`Health
`
`Law §2801(2).
`
`40.
`
`That
`
`at
`
`all
`
`times
`
`hereinafter
`
`mentioned,
`
`Defendant
`
`CLOVE
`
`LAKES
`
`HEALTHCARE
`
`AND REHABILITATION
`
`CENTER,
`
`INC.
`
`is a facility
`
`providing
`
`therein
`
`nursing
`
`8
`
`8 of 25
`
`

`

`FILED: RICHMOND COUNTY CLERK 03/20/2024 11:59 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 20
`
`INDEX NO. 151955/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 03/20/2024
`
`care without
`
`any
`
`negligence
`
`on the part
`
`of
`
`the Plaintiff
`
`decedent
`
`JOSEPH
`
`BROGNA,
`
`which
`
`caused
`
`her
`
`death.
`
`41.
`
`That
`
`at
`
`all
`
`times
`
`hereinafter
`
`mentioned,
`
`Defendant
`
`is
`
`a residential
`
`health
`
`care
`
`facility
`
`as defined
`
`in New York
`
`Public
`
`Health
`
`Law §2801(3).
`
`42.
`
`That
`
`at
`
`all
`
`times
`
`hereinafter
`
`mentioned,
`
`Defendant
`
`CLOVE
`
`LAKES
`
`HEALTHCARE
`
`AND REHABILITATION
`
`CENTER,
`
`INC.
`
`is a residential
`
`health
`
`care
`
`facility
`
`as
`
`defined
`
`in New York
`
`Public
`
`Health
`
`Law §2801(3).
`
`43.
`
`That
`
`at
`
`all
`
`times
`
`hereinafter
`
`mentioned,
`
`Defendant
`
`CLOVE
`
`LAKES
`
`HEALTHCARE
`
`AND REHABILITATION
`
`CENTER,
`
`INC..
`
`is a residential
`
`health
`
`care
`
`facility
`
`as
`
`defined
`
`in New York
`
`Public
`
`Health
`
`Law §2801(3).
`
`44.
`
`That
`
`all
`
`times
`
`hereinafter
`
`Defendant
`
`CLOVE
`
`LAKES
`
`at
`
`mentioned,
`
`HEALTHCARE
`
`AND REHABILITATION
`
`CENTER,
`
`INC.
`
`is a residential
`
`health
`
`care
`
`facility
`
`as
`
`defined
`
`in New York
`
`Public
`
`Health
`
`Law §280-d.
`
`45.
`
`That
`
`at
`
`all
`
`times
`
`hereinafter
`
`mentioned,
`
`Defendant
`
`CLOVE
`
`LAKES
`
`HEALTHCARE
`
`AND REHABILITATION
`
`CENTER,
`
`INC.
`
`is a residential
`
`health
`
`care
`
`facility
`
`as
`
`defined
`
`in New York
`
`Public
`
`Health
`
`Law §2801-d.
`
`46.
`
`That
`
`at
`
`all
`
`times
`
`hereinafter
`
`mentioned,
`
`Defendant
`
`CLOVE
`
`LAKES
`
`HEALTHCARE
`
`AND REHABILITATION
`
`CENTER,
`
`INC..
`
`is a residential
`
`health
`
`care
`
`facility
`
`as
`
`defined
`
`in New York
`
`Public
`
`Health
`
`Law §2801-d.
`
`47.
`
`That
`
`at
`
`all
`
`times
`
`hereinafter
`
`mentioned,
`
`Defendant
`
`CLOVE
`
`LAKES
`
`HEALTHCARE
`
`AND REHABILITATION
`
`CENTER,
`
`INC.
`
`is a residential
`
`health
`
`care
`
`facility
`
`as
`
`defined
`
`in New York
`
`Public
`
`Health
`
`Law §2801-d.
`
`9
`
`9 of 25
`
`

`

`FILED: RICHMOND COUNTY CLERK 03/20/2024 11:59 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 20
`
`INDEX NO. 151955/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 03/20/2024
`
`48.
`
`At
`
`all
`
`times
`
`hereinafter
`
`mentioned,
`
`Defendant
`
`CLOVE
`
`LAKES
`
`HEALTHCARE
`
`AND REHABILITATION
`
`CENTER,
`
`INC.
`
`is a residential
`
`health
`
`care
`
`facility
`
`as defined
`
`in New
`
`York
`
`Public
`
`Health
`
`Law §2803-c.
`
`49.
`
`That
`
`at
`
`all
`
`times
`
`hereinafter
`
`mentioned,
`
`Defendant
`
`CLOVE
`
`LAKES
`
`HEALTHCARE
`
`AND REHABILITATION
`
`CENTER,
`
`INC.
`
`is a residential
`
`health
`
`care
`
`facility
`
`as
`
`defmed
`
`in New York
`
`Public
`
`Health
`
`Law §2803-c.
`
`times
`
`hereinafter
`
`mentioned
`
`and material
`
`Defendant
`
`CLOVE
`
`50.
`
`That
`
`all
`
`hereto,
`
`LAKES
`
`HEALTHCARE
`
`AND REHABILITATION
`
`CENTER,
`
`INC.
`
`nursing
`
`homes
`
`was
`
`a facility
`
`subject
`
`to the
`
`rules
`
`and
`
`regulations
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`in 42 U.S.C.
`
`§1395(i)
`
`et seq.,
`
`and
`
`42 C.F.R.
`
`Part
`
`483.
`
`Public
`
`Health
`
`Law Article
`
`28 and New York
`
`Code
`
`Rules
`
`and Regulations,
`
`Title
`
`10, Part
`
`415.
`
`51.
`
`That
`
`all
`
`times
`
`hereinafter
`
`mentioned
`
`and material
`
`hereto,
`
`Defendant,
`
`CLOVE
`
`LAKES
`
`HEALTHCARE
`
`AND REHABILITATION
`
`CENTER,
`
`INC.
`
`home
`
`was
`
`a facility
`
`nursing
`
`subject
`
`to the
`
`rules
`
`and
`
`regulations
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`in 42 U.S.C.
`
`§1395(i)
`
`et seq.,
`
`and
`
`42 C.F.R.
`
`Part
`
`483.
`
`Public
`
`Health
`
`Law Article
`
`28 and New York
`
`Code
`
`Rules
`
`and Regulations,
`
`Title
`
`10, Part
`
`415.
`
`52.
`
`That
`
`all
`
`times
`
`hereinafter
`
`mentioned
`
`and material
`
`hereto,
`
`Defendant,
`
`CLOVE
`
`LAKES
`
`HEALTHCARE
`
`AND ItEHABILITATION
`
`CENTER,
`
`INC.'s
`
`nursing
`
`home
`
`was
`
`a
`
`subject
`
`to the
`
`rules
`
`and
`
`regulations
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`in 42 U.S.C.
`
`et seq.,
`
`and
`
`42 C.F.R.
`
`facility
`
`§1395(i)
`
`Part
`
`483.
`
`Public
`
`Health
`
`Law Article
`
`28 and New York
`
`Code
`
`Rules
`
`and Regulations,
`
`Title
`
`10, Part
`
`415.
`
`53.
`
`That
`
`on
`
`or
`
`about
`
`September
`
`1, 2020,
`
`through
`
`on
`
`or
`
`about
`
`January
`
`28,
`
`2021,
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`decedent
`
`JOSEPH
`
`BROGNA
`
`was
`
`admitted
`
`to and was
`
`a resident
`
`at Defendant
`
`CLOVE
`
`LAKES
`
`HEALTHCARE
`
`AND REHABILITATION
`
`CENTER,
`
`INC.
`
`facility,
`
`and
`
`during
`
`his
`
`admission,
`
`was
`
`infected
`
`with
`
`SARS-CoV-2
`
`and COVID-19.
`
`10
`
`10 of 25
`
`

`

`FILED: RICHMOND COUNTY CLERK 03/20/2024 11:59 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 20
`
`INDEX NO. 151955/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 03/20/2024
`
`54.
`
`That
`
`during
`
`the
`
`course
`
`of
`
`his
`
`admission,
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`decedent
`
`JOSEPH
`
`BROGNA
`
`was
`
`caused
`
`to sustain
`
`injury
`
`due
`
`to the
`
`negligent
`
`acts
`
`or omissions
`
`of Defendant
`
`CLOVE
`
`LAKES
`
`HEALTHCARE
`
`AND REHABILITATION
`
`CENTER,
`
`INC.
`
`resulting
`
`in
`
`severe
`
`and
`
`permanent
`
`personal
`
`injuries,
`
`and
`
`untimely
`
`death.
`
`55.
`
`That
`
`during
`
`the
`
`course
`
`of her
`
`admission,
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`decedent
`
`JOSEPH
`
`BROGNA
`
`negligence
`
`acts
`
`and
`
`CLOVE
`
`was
`
`caused
`
`to
`
`sustain
`
`injury
`
`due
`
`to
`
`the
`
`omissions
`
`of Defendant
`
`LAKES
`
`HEALTHCARE
`
`AND REHABILITATION
`
`CENTER,
`
`INC.
`
`resulting
`
`in
`
`severe
`
`and
`
`permanent
`
`personal
`
`injuries,
`
`and
`
`ultimately
`
`death.
`
`56.
`
`That
`
`at
`
`all
`
`times
`
`mentioned
`
`herein,
`
`during
`
`his
`
`residency,
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`decedent
`
`JOSEPH
`
`BROGNA
`
`was
`
`under
`
`the exclusive
`
`care,
`
`custody,
`
`control
`
`and management
`
`of Defendant
`
`CLOVE
`
`LAKES
`
`HEALTHCARE
`
`AND REHABILITATION
`
`CENTER,
`
`INC.
`
`all
`
`decedent
`
`57.
`
`That
`
`at
`
`times
`
`mentioned
`
`herein,
`
`during
`
`her
`
`residency,
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`JOSEPH
`
`BROGNA
`
`was
`
`under
`
`the exclusive
`
`care,
`
`custody,
`
`control
`
`and management
`
`of Defendant
`
`CLOVE
`
`LAKES
`
`HEALTHCARE
`
`AND REHABILITATION
`
`CENTER,
`
`INC.
`
`58.
`
`That
`
`at
`
`all
`
`times
`
`hereinafter
`
`mentioned,
`
`during
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`decedent
`
`JOSEPH
`
`BROGNA'S
`
`stay
`
`at Defendant
`
`CLOVE
`
`LAKES
`
`HEALTHCARE
`
`AND REHABILITATION
`
`CENTER,
`
`INC.
`
`nursing
`
`homes
`
`he was
`
`infected
`
`with
`
`SARS-CoV-2
`
`and
`
`contracted
`
`COVID-19,
`
`and
`
`suffered
`
`respiratory
`
`distress,
`
`hypoxia,
`
`and
`
`other
`
`injuries,
`
`caused
`
`by
`
`the
`
`negligence
`
`of Defendant
`
`CLOVE
`
`LAKES
`
`HEALTHCARE
`
`AND REHABILITATION
`
`CENTER,
`
`INC.
`
`and
`
`violation
`
`of
`
`Defendant
`
`CLOVE
`
`LAKES
`
`HEALTHCARE
`
`AND REHABILITATION
`
`CENTER,
`
`INC.
`
`contract
`
`with
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`decedent
`
`JOSEPH
`
`BROGNA
`
`laws,
`
`rules,
`
`statutes
`
`and
`
`ordinances
`
`without
`
`any
`
`negligence
`
`on the
`
`part
`
`of
`
`the Plaintiff's
`
`decedent
`
`JOSEPH
`
`BROGNA,
`
`which
`
`caused
`
`his
`
`death.
`
`11
`
`11 of 25
`
`

`

`FILED: RICHMOND COUNTY CLERK 03/20/2024 11:59 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 20
`
`INDEX NO. 151955/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 03/20/2024
`
`59.
`
`That
`
`at
`
`all
`
`times
`
`hereinafter
`
`mentioned,
`
`during
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`decedent
`
`JOSEPH
`
`BROGNA'S
`
`stay
`
`at Defendant
`
`CLOVE
`
`LAKES
`
`HEALTHCARE
`
`AND REHABILITATION
`
`CENTER,
`
`INC.
`
`nursing
`
`home
`
`he was
`
`infected
`
`with
`
`SARS-CoV-2
`
`and
`
`contracted
`
`COVID-19,
`
`and
`
`suffered
`
`respiratory
`
`distress,
`
`hypoxia,
`
`and
`
`other
`
`injuries,
`
`caused
`
`by
`
`the
`
`negligence
`
`of Defendant
`
`CLOVE
`
`LAKES
`
`HEALTHCARE
`
`AND REHABILITATION
`
`CENTER,
`
`INC.
`
`and
`
`violation
`
`of
`
`HEALTHCARE
`
`contract
`
`Defendant
`
`CLOVE
`
`LAKES
`
`AND REHABILITATION
`
`CENTER,
`
`INC.
`
`with
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`decedent
`
`JOSEPH
`
`BROGNA,
`
`laws,
`
`rules,
`
`statutes
`
`and
`
`ordinances
`
`without
`
`any
`
`negligence
`
`on the
`
`part
`
`of
`
`the Plaintiff's
`
`decedent
`
`JOSEPH
`
`BROGNA
`
`which
`
`caused
`
`her
`
`death.
`
`That
`
`on January
`
`28,
`
`2021,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`s decedent
`
`JOSEPH
`
`BROGNA
`
`died.
`
`"death"
`
`That
`
`is an enumerated
`
`injury
`
`pursuant
`
`to New York
`
`Public
`
`Health
`
`Law sec.
`
`60.
`
`61.
`
`2801-d.
`
`times
`
`Plaintiff
`
`JOSEPH
`
`BROGNA
`
`62.
`
`That
`
`at all
`
`hereinafter
`
`mentioned,
`
`s decedent
`
`were
`
`substantially
`
`contributed
`
`to by
`
`the
`
`negligent
`
`acts
`
`and/or
`
`omissions,
`
`willful
`
`and
`
`intentional
`
`criminal
`
`misconduct,
`
`gross
`
`negligence,
`
`reckless
`
`misconduct
`
`and
`
`intentional
`
`infliction
`
`of harm
`
`of
`
`the Defendants
`
`as well
`
`as the
`
`violation
`
`of
`
`the residents
`
`rights
`
`pursuant
`
`to New York
`
`Public
`
`Health
`
`Law §2801-d
`
`and
`
`enumerated
`
`in New York
`
`Public
`
`Health
`
`Law §2803-c.
`
`63.
`
`That
`
`at all
`
`times
`
`hereinafter
`
`Defendants
`
`had
`
`mandated
`
`mentioned,
`
`a statutorily
`
`responsibility
`
`to provide
`
`Plaintiff
`
`s decedent
`
`JOSEPH
`
`BROGNA
`
`with
`
`the rights
`
`granted
`
`to nursing
`
`home
`
`residents
`
`by New York
`
`Public
`
`Health
`
`Law §2801-d
`
`and
`
`enumerated
`
`in Public
`
`Health
`
`Law
`
`§2803-c.
`
`64.
`
`That
`
`at
`
`all
`
`times
`
`hereinafter
`
`mentioned,
`
`Defendants'
`
`responsibilities
`
`and
`
`obligations
`
`to Plaintiff
`
`s decedent
`
`JOSEPH
`
`BROGNA,
`
`as outlined
`
`in Public
`
`Health
`
`Law §2803-c,
`
`are non-delegable
`
`and Defendants
`
`had
`
`direct
`
`and/or
`
`vicarious
`
`liability
`
`for
`
`violations,
`
`deprivations
`
`12
`
`12 of 25
`
`

`

`FILED: RICHMOND COUNTY CLERK 03/20/2024 11:59 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 20
`
`INDEX NO. 151955/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 03/20/2024
`
`and
`
`infringements
`
`of
`
`such
`
`responsibilities
`
`and
`
`obligations
`
`by
`
`any
`
`person
`
`or
`
`entity
`
`under
`
`Defendants'
`
`control,
`
`direct
`
`or
`
`indirect,
`
`including
`
`their
`
`employees.
`
`agents.
`
`consultants
`
`and
`
`independent
`
`contractors,
`
`whether
`
`in-
`
`house
`
`or
`
`outside
`
`entities,
`
`individuals,
`
`agencies,
`
`pools,
`
`or
`
`caused
`
`by Defendants
`
`policies,
`
`whether
`
`written
`
`or unwritten,
`
`or common
`
`practices.
`
`65.
`
`That
`
`at
`
`all
`
`times
`
`hereinafter'
`
`mentioned,
`
`Defendants,
`
`their
`
`employees,
`
`agents,
`
`Plaintiffs
`
`BROGNA
`
`consultants
`
`and
`
`independent
`
`contractors,
`
`deprived
`
`decedent
`
`JOSEPH
`
`of
`
`the
`
`rights
`
`granted
`
`to her
`
`pursuant
`
`to Public
`
`Health
`
`Law §2801-d
`
`and
`
`as enumerated
`
`in Public
`
`Health
`
`Law §2803-c.
`
`66.
`
`That
`
`at
`
`all
`
`times
`
`hereinafter
`
`mentioned,
`
`the
`
`acts
`
`and
`
`omissions
`
`committed
`
`by
`
`employees
`
`and
`
`agents
`
`of
`
`the Defendants
`
`were
`
`pervasive
`
`events
`
`which
`
`occurred
`
`since
`
`at
`
`least
`
`2019
`
`when
`
`Defendants
`
`were
`
`cited
`
`for
`
`improper
`
`infection
`
`control
`
`and
`
`continued
`
`throughout
`
`violations,
`
`Plaintiffs
`
`decedent
`
`JOSEPH
`
`BROGNA's
`
`residency,
`
`and were
`
`such
`
`that
`
`supervisors,
`
`administrators
`
`and managing
`
`agents
`
`of Defendants
`
`should
`
`have
`
`been
`
`aware
`
`of
`
`them.
`
`67.
`
`That
`
`at
`
`all
`
`times
`
`hereinafter
`
`mentioned,
`
`and
`
`at all
`
`times
`
`before
`
`the COVID-19
`
`pandemic,
`
`despite
`
`medical
`
`best
`
`practices,
`
`existing
`
`regulations,
`
`and
`
`specific
`
`COVID-19
`
`guidance
`
`from
`
`CDC,
`
`CMS,
`
`and DOH,
`
`Defendants
`
`failed
`
`to plan
`
`and take
`
`proper
`
`infection
`
`control
`
`measures.
`
`all
`
`hereinafter
`
`and
`
`at all
`
`times
`
`68.
`
`That
`
`at
`
`times
`
`mentioned,
`
`before
`
`the COVID-19
`
`pandemic,
`
`Defendant
`
`failed
`
`to maintain
`
`an infection
`
`control
`
`program
`
`with
`
`policies
`
`designed
`
`to
`
`provide
`
`a safe,
`
`sanitary,
`
`and
`
`comfortable
`
`environment
`
`in which
`
`residents
`
`vulnerable
`
`to infection
`
`reside
`
`and where
`
`their
`
`health
`
`care
`
`providers
`
`work.
`
`69.
`
`That
`
`at
`
`all
`
`times
`
`hereinafter
`
`mentioned,
`
`and
`
`at all
`
`times
`
`before
`
`the COVID-19
`
`pandemic,
`
`Defendant
`
`failed
`
`to have
`
`an infection
`
`control
`
`program
`
`which
`
`investigated,
`
`controlled
`
`13
`
`13 of 25
`
`

`

`FILED: RICHMOND COUNTY CLERK 03/20/2024 11:59 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 20
`
`INDEX NO. 151955/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 03/20/2024
`
`and
`
`took
`
`action
`
`to prevent
`
`infections
`
`in the
`
`facility
`
`and
`
`to
`
`determine
`
`what
`
`procedures,
`
`such
`
`as
`
`isolation,
`
`should
`
`be utilized
`
`for
`
`an individual
`
`resident
`
`to prevent
`
`continued
`
`transmission
`
`of disease.
`
`70.
`
`That
`
`at all
`
`times
`
`hereinafter
`
`mentioned,
`
`and
`
`at all
`
`times
`
`before
`
`the COVID-19
`
`pandemic,
`
`Defendant
`
`failed
`
`to
`
`isolate
`
`residents
`
`and
`
`properly
`
`sterilize
`
`and
`
`store
`
`all
`
`equipment
`
`to
`
`prevent
`
`spread
`
`of
`
`infection.
`
`the
`
`71.
`
`That
`
`at all
`
`times
`
`hereinafter
`
`mentioned,
`
`the Defendant
`
`acted
`
`willfully,
`
`intentionally,
`
`recklessly
`
`and with
`
`gross
`
`negligence
`
`by
`
`knowingly
`
`by
`
`implementing
`
`policies,
`
`including
`
`accepting
`
`COVID-19
`
`positive
`
`patients
`
`and
`
`residents,
`
`failing
`
`to test
`
`patients,
`
`residents
`
`and
`
`staff,
`
`etc. with
`
`the
`
`knowledge
`
`that
`
`the
`
`policies
`
`implemented
`
`would
`
`increase
`
`the
`
`risk
`
`of
`
`contracting
`
`disease,
`
`causing
`
`sickness
`
`and
`
`death
`
`in patients
`
`and
`
`residents.
`
`and
`
`failed
`
`72.
`
`Prior
`
`to the
`
`coronavirus
`
`Defendant
`
`failed
`
`to maintain
`
`adequate
`
`staffing
`
`to have
`
`appropriate
`
`staffing
`
`ratios.
`
`73.
`
`Prior
`
`to
`
`the
`
`coronavirus
`
`Defendant
`
`failed
`
`to
`
`spend
`
`an
`
`appropriate
`
`percentage
`
`of
`
`revenue
`
`on "resident
`
`care"
`
`and
`
`"resident
`
`facing
`
`staff."
`
`74.
`
`As
`
`a consequence
`
`of
`
`the
`
`pre-pandemic
`
`inadequate
`
`staffing,
`
`Defendant
`
`knew
`
`have
`
`known
`
`that
`
`it would
`
`not
`
`be able
`
`to provide
`
`adequate
`
`care
`
`to residents
`
`in violation
`
`or
`
`of
`
`should
`
`10 NYCRR
`
`§ 415.26(i)(1)(ii).
`
`75.
`
`As
`
`a consequence
`
`of
`
`the
`
`pre-pandemic
`
`inadequate
`
`staffing,
`
`Defendant
`
`was
`
`forced
`
`to
`
`negligently
`
`and
`
`recklessly
`
`cause
`
`COVID-19
`
`positive
`
`staff
`
`to
`
`report
`
`to work
`
`and
`
`come
`
`into
`
`contact
`
`with
`
`residents.
`
`76.
`
`Prior
`
`to coronavirus
`
`Defendant
`
`failed
`
`to have
`
`a written
`
`"disaster
`
`and
`
`emergency
`
`preparedness"
`
`plan,
`
`updated
`
`at
`
`least
`
`twice
`
`a year,
`
`with
`
`procedures
`
`to be followed
`
`for
`
`the
`
`proper
`
`14
`
`14 of 25
`
`

`

`FILED: RICHMOND COUNTY CLERK 03/20/2024 11:59 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 20
`
`INDEX NO. 151955/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 03/20/2024
`
`care
`
`of
`
`residents
`
`and
`
`personnel
`
`in the
`
`event
`
`of
`
`"an
`
`internal
`
`or external
`
`emergency
`
`resulting
`
`from
`
`natural
`
`or man-made
`
`causes
`
`in violation
`
`of
`
`10 NYCRR
`
`§ 415.26(f).
`
`77.
`
`That,
`
`at
`
`all
`
`times
`
`hereinafter
`
`mentioned
`
`the
`
`Defendant
`
`willfully
`
`neglected
`
`to
`
`provide
`
`timely,
`
`consistent,
`
`safe,
`
`adequate
`
`and
`
`appropriate
`
`services,
`
`treatment
`
`and/or
`
`care
`
`to
`
`a
`
`patient
`
`or
`
`resident
`
`of a residential
`
`health
`
`care
`
`facility
`
`in violation
`
`of
`
`10 NYCRR
`
`§ 81.1(c).
`
`Prior
`
`to the
`
`Defendant
`
`failed
`
`adequate
`
`quarantine
`
`facilities
`
`78.
`
`coronavirus
`
`to maintain
`
`which
`
`led
`
`to an inability,
`
`during
`
`the
`
`pandemic,
`
`to appropriately
`
`and
`
`safely
`
`quarantine
`
`residents.
`
`79.
`
`Despite
`
`New York
`
`State Department
`
`of Health
`
`guidance,
`
`issued
`
`on March
`
`25, 2020,
`
`that
`
`facilities
`
`admit
`
`suspected
`
`and/or
`
`confirmed
`
`COVID-19
`
`positive
`
`patients,
`
`it was
`
`not
`
`until
`
`the
`
`Defendant
`
`received
`
`presumed
`
`immunity,
`
`pursuant
`
`to
`
`the EDPTA
`
`on
`
`April
`
`6,
`
`2020,
`
`that
`
`the
`
`Defendant
`
`did,
`
`in fact,
`
`begin
`
`admitting
`
`suspected
`
`and/or
`
`confirmed
`
`COVID-19
`
`positive
`
`patients
`
`the
`
`known
`
`risk
`
`residents
`
`for
`
`gain.
`
`which
`
`evidences
`
`disregard
`
`of
`
`obvious
`
`to existing
`
`financial
`
`80.
`
`That
`
`at all
`
`times
`
`hereinafter
`
`mentioned,
`
`the Defendant,
`
`it's
`
`servants,
`
`agents,
`
`and/or
`
`employees,
`
`failed
`
`to
`
`safely
`
`and
`
`properly
`
`move,
`
`monitor,
`
`supervise,
`
`assist,
`
`and/or
`
`treat
`
`Plaintiff
`
`decedent.
`
`81.
`
`As
`
`a result
`
`of
`
`the
`
`negligence
`
`of
`
`the Defendant,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`decedent
`
`was
`
`caused
`
`to
`
`sustain
`
`severe
`
`personal
`
`injuries
`
`to
`
`his
`
`head,
`
`face
`
`and
`
`body,
`
`obliging
`
`his
`
`to
`
`incur
`
`expenses
`
`for
`
`resulted
`
`and
`
`of enjoyment
`
`of
`
`life.
`
`medical
`
`care
`
`and
`
`in pain,
`
`suffering
`
`loss
`
`82.
`
`The
`
`aforementioned
`
`injuries
`
`suffered
`
`were
`
`caused
`
`by
`
`the
`
`sole
`
`negligence
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Defendant
`
`and without
`
`any
`
`negligence
`
`on the part
`
`of
`
`the Plaintiff
`
`decedent
`
`contributing
`
`thereto.
`
`83.
`
`That
`
`at all
`
`times
`
`hereinafter
`
`mentioned,
`
`in
`
`addition
`
`to
`
`the
`
`damages
`
`suffered
`
`by
`
`Plaintiffs
`
`decedent
`
`JOSEPH
`
`BROGNA
`
`as the
`
`result
`
`of
`
`Defendants'
`
`deprivation
`
`of her
`
`rights
`
`as a
`
`nursing
`
`home
`
`resident,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`PATRICIA
`
`MILLER,
`15
`
`the
`
`sister
`
`and Administratrix
`
`of
`
`the Estate
`
`15 of 25
`
`

`

`FILED: RICHMOND COUNTY CLERK 03/20/2024 11:59 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 20
`
`INDEX NO. 151955/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 03/20/2024
`
`of JOSEPH
`
`BROGNA,
`
`is entitled
`
`to recovery
`
`of compensatory
`
`damages
`
`pursuant
`
`to Public
`
`Health
`
`Law
`
`§2801-d,
`
`attorney's
`
`fees
`
`pursuant
`
`to Public
`
`Health
`
`Law
`
`§2801-d(6),
`
`punitive
`
`damages
`
`pursuant
`
`to Public
`
`Health
`
`Law §2801-d(2)
`
`and
`
`costs.
`
`84.
`
`That
`
`at all
`
`times
`
`hereinafter
`
`mentioned
`
`as a result
`
`of
`
`the
`
`foregoing
`
`acts
`
`and/or
`
`omissions,
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`decedent
`
`JOSEPH
`
`BROGNA
`
`was
`
`denied
`
`her
`
`rights
`
`under
`
`Public
`
`Health
`
`Law
`
`32801-d,
`
`and
`
`as enumerated
`
`in Public
`
`Health
`
`Law §2803-c,
`
`and
`
`such
`
`denial
`
`caused
`
`injury.
`
`85.
`
`That
`
`by
`
`reason
`
`of
`
`the
`
`foregoing,
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`decedent
`
`JOSEPH
`
`BROGNA
`
`was
`
`forced
`
`to undergo
`
`medical
`
`treatment,
`
`incurred
`
`medical
`
`expense,
`
`suffered
`
`disfigurement,
`
`disability,
`
`pain
`
`and
`
`suffering,
`
`mental
`
`anguish,
`
`loss
`
`of enjoyment
`
`of
`
`life,
`
`loss
`
`and
`
`death.
`
`of dignity
`
`86.
`
`That
`
`at all
`
`times
`
`hereinafter
`
`mentioned,
`
`as a result
`
`of
`
`the
`
`foregoing,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`was
`
`damaged
`
`in a sum which
`
`exceeds
`
`the jurisdictional
`
`limits
`
`of all
`
`lower
`
`Courts,
`
`as well
`
`as punitive
`
`damages
`
`pursuant
`
`to Public
`
`Health
`
`Law §2801-d(2),
`
`attorney's
`
`fees
`
`pursuant
`
`to Public
`
`Health
`
`Law
`
`§2801-d(6)
`
`and
`
`costs.
`
`AS AND FOR A SECOND
`
`CAUSE
`
`OF ACTION
`
`AGAINST
`
`DEFENDANTS
`
`87.
`
`That
`
`at all
`
`times
`
`hereinafter
`
`mentioned,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`repeats,
`
`reiterates
`
`and
`
`realleges
`
`each
`
`and
`
`every
`
`allegation
`
`above
`
`with
`
`the
`
`same
`
`force
`
`and
`
`effect
`
`as if more
`
`fully
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`at
`
`length
`
`herewith.
`
`88.
`
`That
`
`at
`
`all
`
`times
`
`hereinafter
`
`mentioned,
`
`Defendant
`
`CLOVE
`
`LAKES
`
`HEALTHCARE
`
`AND REHABILITATION
`
`CENTER,
`
`INC.
`
`owed
`
`a duty
`
`to patients,
`
`including
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`decedent
`
`JOSEPH
`
`BROGNA,
`
`to protect
`
`its patient's
`
`rights.
`
`16
`
`16 of 25
`
`

`

`FILED: RICHMOND COUNTY CLERK 03/20/2024 11:59 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 20
`
`INDEX NO. 151955/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 03/20/2024
`
`89.
`
`That
`
`at
`
`all
`
`times
`
`hereinafter
`
`mentioned,
`
`Defendant
`
`CLOVE
`
`LAKES
`
`HEALTHCARE
`
`AND REHABILITATION
`
`CENTER,
`
`INC.
`
`owed
`
`a duty
`
`to patients,
`
`including
`
`Plaintiffs
`
`decedent
`
`JOSEPH
`
`BROGNA,
`
`to protect
`
`its patient's
`
`rights.
`
`90.
`
`That
`
`at
`
`all
`
`times
`
`hereinafter
`
`mentioned,
`
`Defendant
`
`CLOVE
`
`LAKES
`
`HEALTHCARE
`
`AND REHABILITATION
`
`CENTER,
`
`INC.
`
`owed
`
`a duty
`
`to patients,
`
`including
`
`Plaintiffs
`
`decedent
`
`JOSEPH
`
`BROGNA,
`
`to protect
`
`its patient's
`
`rights.
`
`times
`
`hereinafter
`
`LAKES
`
`91.
`
`That
`
`at
`
`all
`
`mentioned,
`
`Defendant
`
`CLOVE
`
`HEALTHCARE
`
`AND REHABILITATION
`
`CENTER,
`
`INC.
`
`owed
`
`a duty
`
`to Plaintiff's
`
`decedent
`
`JOSEPH
`
`BROGNA
`
`to hire
`
`train,
`
`retain,
`
`and
`
`supervise
`
`employees
`
`and
`
`independent
`
`contractors,
`
`both
`
`licensed
`
`and
`
`unlicensed,
`
`so that
`
`such
`
`employees
`
`and
`
`independent
`
`contractors
`
`delivered
`
`care
`
`and
`
`services
`
`to Plaintiff's
`
`decedent
`
`on a reasonably
`
`safe
`
`and
`
`beneficial
`
`manner.
`
`