Man’s Coronavirus Death Leads to Settlement Between Family and Burbank Nursing Home

Relatives of an 81-year-old Alzheimer’s patient who tragically passed away from COVID-19 complications in 2020 have reached a settlement in their lawsuit against the Burbank nursing home where their beloved family member allegedly contracted the virus.

The attorneys representing the late Vernon R. Robinson Sr.’s family filed court documents on Thursday, notifying Burbank Superior Court Judge John J. Kralik that the case has been resolved. The specific details and terms of the settlement were not disclosed.

According to the lawsuit filed in March 2021, Robinson passed away on March 26, 2020, at Glendale Adventist Medical Center, where he was taken after falling ill at Alameda Care Center. The lawsuit alleged wrongful death, elder abuse and neglect, concealment, and violation of the residents’ rights.

In August 2021, the judge granted a defense motion to move a portion of the case to arbitration and put the rest of the litigation on hold pending the outcome.

Robinson, who suffered from Alzheimer’s disease, relied on Alameda Care Center for all his daily needs, including mobility, nutrition, hydration, hygiene, and personal care, as stated in the lawsuit. In mid-March 2020, the facility prohibited visitors due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and during this time, Robinson was transferred to Glendale Adventist Medical Center due to severe breathing difficulties.

At the hospital, Robinson’s COVID-19 test came back positive, and his family claims that he contracted the virus at Alameda Care Center. His condition rapidly worsened, leading to acute respiratory arrest and pneumonia, ultimately resulting in his death, as indicated on his death certificate.

The lawsuit argued that those responsible for caring for Robinson at Alameda Care Center had a duty to diligently monitor and accurately document his condition, promptly report any changes to his doctor and family, and maintain precise records of his condition and treatment.