A second elderly person died after ingesting 'dishwashing liquid' at a San Mateo senior home. A wrongful death suit filed by the victim's family believes it was a much stronger chemical that killed the 93-year-old.
While prosecutors are reviewing possible charges the family of one of the victims has now filed a lawsuit.facility near Highway 101 off Hillsdale Boulevard. The company admits several residents were served what it called "dishwashing liquid" instead of juice.
The wrongful death lawsuit filed in San Mateo County Superior Court also alleges elder abuse and negligence on the part of Atria Park and its owners. The suit also questions claims about the dishwashing liquid, saying a stronger cleaner is what led to a painful death."We believe that it was a chemical that was actually protein-eating. Which is much worse than a dishwashing soap. So when he ingested it actually eats the protein in your body.
"It raises a whole panoply of concerns. Because obviously we are talking about the most vulnerable – elderly people who are in a home because they need assistance," said San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe."Whether or not they involve somebody dying or being given something to drink that was poisonous. I want to know if there is a history in the facility of people slipping, falling, inadequate care, inadequate staff.