A Nassau County judge has upheld a $5 million jury verdict awarded to the family of HenrySerrapica, a 69-year-old Army veteran from Lynbrook, who suffered severe pressure ulcers and improper care while at South Shore Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Freeport. Serrapica eventually developed severe sepsis and died from his injuries on December 26, 2019, according to court records.

On January 14, Supreme Court Justice Christopher McGrath rejected post-trial motions from the nursing home and its management company, which sought to set aside the verdict, reduce damages, or order a new trial. The judge’s decision preserved the jury’s findings of neglect and violations of state public health laws. The verdict included $1 million in punitive damages—rarely awarded in such cases—alongside $4 million for pain and suffering, reflecting the jury’s view that the facility’s conduct went beyond typical negligence.

Systemic Failures in Care Documented

Henry Serrapica, a retired postal worker, had been transferred to South Shore on January 19, 2018, following a hospital stay for a stroke, kidney and pancreas transplant, and pneumonia. During multiple admissions, he developed Stage 4 pressure ulcers on his heel, ankle, arm, pelvis, back, and buttocks, along with “unstageable” injuries that were impossible to stage due to dead tissue. One wound near his pelvis measured 16 inches long and 9 inches wide during his final hospital admission.

The family’s lawsuit, filed by Serrapica’s son, Matthew Serrapica, and other relatives, alleged that the facility failed to follow a care plan requiring the patient to be turned every two to four hours, resulting in worsening wounds and repeated hospital visits for osteomyelitis, sepsis, and septic shock. Additional claims highlighted six falls, nearly 40 pounds of weight loss, and unsanitary conditions, including the veteran being found pant-less in soiled diapers or wearing other patients’ clothing. Family members attributed many of these issues to chronic understaffing at the center.

Attorney Ryan McAllister, representing the Serrapicas, described the verdict as one of the largest he has seen against a rehabilitation center. “The fact that the jury awarded punitive damages — and that the court upheld them — underscores how serious and systemic the failures in care were in this case,” he said.

Facility Responds and Ongoing Concerns

South Shore Rehabilitation and its attorney, Caitlin Robin, defended the facility, stating that all interventions were reasonable and followed proper care protocols. Robin described the verdict as “excessive, duplicative, and a miscarriage of justice”, indicating that the nursing home plans to pursue appellate relief.

New York State Health Department records reveal that South Shore has received 28 health or life safety code violations since October 2021 across eight inspections, with fines totaling $14,000 since May 2018. Justice McGrath’s 13-page order emphasized that the evidence showed persistent instances of neglect and dignity violations, supporting the jury’s decision to uphold punitive damages and recognize the facility’s systemic failures.