Family sues Horry County nursing home over COVID-19 death

LORIS, SC (WPDE) — The family of a former resident of a Loris nursing home has sued the facility over her death, alleging negligence, wrongful death and a violation of the South Carolina Unfair Trade Practices Act.

According to court documents, Eartha Wells, a resident of the Loris Rehab and Nursing Center since August 2019, contracted a “communicable disease which led to her death as a result of the facility failing to institute proper infection control measures through the facility.”

The suit claims that staff members also failed to properly monitor Wells’ condition, document changes in her condition, modify her treatment or inform family members and authorities.

Brad Banyas, the attorney who filed the suit, said Wells died due to complications from COVID on May 1. He said she was in her own room and didn’t leave.