Toledo, Ohio – A Toledo nursing home is under scrutiny after the family of a 72-year-old man accused the facility of profit-driven neglect that allegedly caused his death.
Attorneys for the family of Samuel Frank Ray Sr. claim the nursing home refused to help him to the toilet, instructing him instead to “soil his briefs and wait.” The family says this neglect led to Ray being left in his own waste for hours, resulting in a severe bedsore and eventually a deadly infection.
Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed in Lucas County
According to a wrongful death complaint filed on Monday in Lucas County, the family’s lawyers allege that the Arbors of Sylvania, a Toledo-based skilled nursing facility, failed to provide adequate care and attention to the elderly patient.
The Michael Hill Trial Law Group, representing the family, says Ray was transferred to Arbors of Sylvania in August 2024 after being hospitalized for a urinary tract infection and aspiration pneumonia.
Instead of being properly cared for, Ray was allegedly placed in adult diapers, even though he was not incontinent and could communicate his needs. The lawsuit attributes this mistreatment to chronic understaffing at the facility.
“Left in His Own Waste for Hours”
The complaint describes disturbing neglect, claiming that staff told Ray to soil himself and wait until they could change him. For weeks, he was reportedly forced to lie in his own waste for extended periods, leading to skin irritation and breakdown.
A care plan required staff to monitor Ray’s skin daily for any deterioration. However, during September 2024, staff allegedly failed to reposition or inspect him for 33 consecutive shifts, exposing him to prolonged pressure and moisture.
The lawsuit alleges that this neglect caused an open bedsore on his coccyx so deep that his lower back and pelvic bones were visible. His family contends the injury resulted directly from the facility’s failure to follow basic care standards.
Infection and Decline
On October 7, 2024, Ray was taken from the nursing home to a local hospital for treatment of the bedsore. Despite ongoing care, he developed sepsis in the following weeks.
Ray’s condition worsened, and he ultimately died on January 17, 2025, from infection and trauma linked to the untreated wound. His family insists that his suffering and death were entirely preventable had the nursing home provided basic assistance and monitoring.
Family Seeks Justice
“Sam Ray Sr.’s family entrusted Arbors of Sylvania with his recovery,” said Michael Hill, founder of Michael Hill Trial Law, in a statement on Tuesday.
“Our lawsuit contends that Arbors of Sylvania denied him even basic care, leaving him lying in his own waste until a wound ate through to bone and infection ravaged his body,” Hill said. “We’re pursuing this case to secure justice for Mr. Ray and to ensure other families never face the same heartbreak.”
If you or a loved one has experienced neglect or mistreatment in a nursing home, it’s crucial to report it immediately to local authorities or legal advocates. Stay informed and follow our page for the latest updates on elder care safety, wrongful death lawsuits, and nursing home accountability across the U.S.
