Lawsuit names island facility

A Bainbridge Island long-term care facility has been named in a class-action lawsuit alleging unfair business practices that affect quality of care.

Island Health and Rehabilitation, operated by Milwaukee, Wis.-based Extendicare, is one of 15 Washington State convalescent homes identified in the case filed Thursday in King County Superior Court.

The lawsuit, brought on behalf of the estate of Lee Ann Steele, is expected to concern more than 3,000 current and former residents who resided at Washington Extendicare Homes and Fir Lane Terrace Convalescent Center facilities between Aug. 15, 2004 and Aug. 15, 2008.

The lawsuit addresses Extendicare’s “failure to operate their nursing homes in conformity with their representations and advertisements.”

The document cites numerous Department of Social and Health Services notices of deficiencies pertaining to Extendicare homes.

The plaintiff is seeking restitution, attorney’s fees and treble damages up to $10,000 per violation, as well as an injunction to prevent Extendicare from “falsely advertising their nursing home services.”

“What we are looking for is not personal injury compensation but accountability and responsibility,” said Kevin Coluccio of Stritmatter, Kessler, Whelan, Coluccio.

Although Island Health and Rehabilitation was listed as a party in the case, it was not mentioned specifically in the general allegations segment of the lawsuit.

“We are continuing our investigation,” Coluccio said. “But based on our research into their extended care facilities we feel, in our opinion, there is a consistent pattern here.”

Island Health and Rehabilitation did not return a call Friday concerning the action.

Extendicare released a statement saying the lawsuit was under review.

– Sean Roach