$5 Million Jury Verdict Against Nassau County Nursing Home Upheld by New York Supreme Court

Court Denies All Post-Trial Motions Following Findings of Neglect and Public Health Law Violations Resulting in Resident’s Death

Mineola, NY – January 19, 2026 — A Nassau County Supreme Court Justice has upheld a $5 million jury verdict against South Shore Rehabilitation and Nursing Center and its management company, denying all post-trial motions and affirming the jury’s findings of nursing home neglect, violations of New York’s Public Health Law, and the resulting death of resident Henry Serrapica.

In a comprehensive Decision & Order, Justice Christopher T. McGrath rejected the defendants’ requests to set aside the verdict, dismiss the case, order a new trial, or reduce the jury’s damages award. The court found that the verdict was supported by the evidence presented at trial and did not materially deviate from reasonable compensation under New York law.

Following weeks of testimony, the jury determined that Mr. Serrapica suffered repeated and preventable failures in care while residing at the facility, including the development of serious pressure ulcers, inadequate monitoring and treatment, and a lack of basic dignity and supervision. The jury further found that these failures violated Public Health Law §2801-d and were a substantial factor in causing Mr. Serrapica’s death.

“This ruling reinforces that juries’ voices matter and that nursing homes cannot escape accountability when they violate residents’ rights,” said Ryan McAllister, an attorney with Parker Waichman LLP, counsel for the Serrapica family. “The evidence showed systemic failures in care that caused needless suffering and, ultimately, loss of life. The court correctly refused to overturn the jury’s verdict.”

At trial, the jury heard testimony from Mr. Serrapica’s family members, nursing experts, and medical professionals describing widespread deficiencies in care, including failures in pressure ulcer prevention, wound treatment, documentation, and adherence to accepted nursing standards. Expert testimony established that these lapses caused significant pain and suffering and contributed to a rapid and fatal decline.

In denying the defendants’ motions in their entirety, the court rejected arguments that the verdict was excessive, inconsistent, or duplicative, concluding that the jury was entitled to credit plaintiffs’ expert testimony and factual proof.

Parker Waichman LLP represents individuals and families throughout New York harmed by nursing home neglect and abuse and continues to advocate for enforcement of residents’ statutory rights and accountability for substandard care.

About Parker Waichman LLP

Parker Waichman LLP is a nationally recognized personal injury law firm representing victims of negligence, nursing home abuse, medical malpractice, defective products, and environmental harm. The firm is committed to protecting the rights of injured individuals and their families.

Contact:
Ryan McAllister, Esq.
Parker Waichman LLP
Phone: 800-968-7529
Email: rmcallister@yourlawyer.com