Torrance : Nursing Home Settles Suit

A nursing home here has agreed to pay $21,750 in penalties and legal costs, to make repairs and to eradicate insects in patient rooms, under a judgment signed this week in Los Angeles Superior Court. The action settled a consumer lawsuit brought against Del Amo Gardens Convalescent Hospital, 22419 Kent Ave., by the Los Angeles County district attorney.

“This ends the matter as long as they abide by the injunction to make repairs and not violate any more laws,” said Al Albergate, a spokesman for the district attorney. He said there were no allegations that patients were mistreated. “It was basically upkeep of the facility,” he said.

Brian Saylin, attorney for the hospital, which is owned by his parents, said Del Amo agreed to the judgment, without admitting fault, because it would have cost more to fight the suit in court.

The hospital agreed to repair plumbing, furniture and exhaust fans, to eradicate insects and to clean ceilings and walls.

Saylin asserted that the 26-year-old hospital is well-maintained and that the case is an “exaggeration” of problems.

“A room may have needed painting and they have found insects on occasion,” he said, adding that one can always “find things wrong” during an inspection. “I’m surprised the D.A. would pick up and do something.”

Albergate said the case stemmed from an investigation by the county Department of Health Services.