Fillmore Convalescent Center

Fillmore Convalescent center must pay $7.75 million to the family of a 71-year old stroke victim, Maria Arellano under the conditions of an elder abuse lawsuit. The trial lasted 22 days. The verdict splits liability among three defendants: Fillmore Convalescent Center, 40 percent; owner Eduardo Gonzalez, 40 percent; and employee Monica Garcia, 20 percent.

Arellano's family became suspicious when bruises appeared on the woman, who could not speak. The family set up a hidden camera, after complaining to the facility's management, which the alleged were not investigated. The camera was key at the trial. It showed Garcia slapping Arellano, pulling her hair, twisting extremities, and brutally in a shower chair.

Garcia was criminally charged and pleaded no contest to simple battery in February. She did 10-days work release.
The family of facility resident Daniel Sanchez, 83, suspect that Sanchez may also be a victim of abuse. They have also filed a lawsuit that is slated for trial in January 2010. Sanchez has since died. He was also a stroke victim and non-verbal.

Attorney Gregory Johnson, who represented the Arellano family, said he offered to settle the case with the Center in July for $500,000, according to the Ventura County Star. The Center made no offer of monetary settlement or mediation, said Johnson. Arellano is still a patient at the facility.