Louisiana nursing home residents abandoned in a warehouse during hurricane

In 2021, as Hurricane Ida approached, Bob Dean Jr., the owner of seven nursing homes in Louisiana, made the controversial decision to relocate hundreds of elderly residents into a warehouse in Independence, situated about 70 miles northwest of New Orleans. The conditions within the warehouse quickly became dire following the hurricane, which struck on August 29, 2021. Authorities reported that many residents were found bedridden on wet mattresses, some were crying for assistance, and others were found in their own waste due to the deteriorating setup. Complaints from civil suits against Dean’s corporation described a space with leaking ceilings, overflowing toilets, and an alarming shortage of food and water for the residents, who were already in a vulnerable state. Tragically, within a few days after the storm, state reports confirmed that seven evacuees had died, with five classified as storm-related fatalities. Following these events, Dean faced multiple legal challenges, resulting in the loss of state licenses and federal funding for his nursing homes. On June 2022, Dean was arrested and later pleaded no contest to numerous criminal charges, receiving a sentence that included probation and hefty fines. Even more recently, allegations arose regarding his misuse of funds from multiple nursing homes, and he agreed to settle federal claims amounting to $8.2 million after prosecutors uncovered that he had diverted funds for personal use, which included purchases of antiques, cars, and firearms. In recognition of the suffering faced by the residents, a settlement deal was proposed, offering nearly $9 million to the 427 former residents who filed claims. Under the agreement, the distribution amounts would depend on individual circumstances of each plaintiff. While this settlement acknowledges the plight of the victims, many legal representatives have expressed that it falls short of delivering True justice, given the magnitude of the trauma endured by their clients. A hearing is set for January for any individuals who wish to contest the settlement. As the legal and health ramifications of the evacuation unfold, reports indicate that at least 165 of the evacuees have since died, underscoring the lingering impact of this troubling episode on the lives of the affected individuals and their families.