A Georgia jury has awarded $2.5 million to the family of a 92-year-old woman who died after an ant infestation at her assisted living community left her with stings all over her body.
A spokeswoman for Somerby Sandy Springs in Sandy Springs, GA, called the former resident’s death an “unfortunate and unusual event” that occurred under a prior owner. Somerby Senior Living previously owned and operated the facility, which now is owned and operated by Bridge Senior Living.
“Any loss of a loved one is heartbreaking and, as professional caregivers, we understand the grief felt by this former resident’s family,” the spokeswoman told McKnight’s Senior Living. “Under new ownership, our community incorporated new training, protocols and standards to ensure residents reside in a comfortable and safe environment.”
Betty Perloe and her personal aide reported an ant infestation to the assisted living community in 2018, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution. A week after the report, ants repeatedly were found on Perloe’s body, and she suffered from multiple bites, the media outlet reported.
Her family filed a lawsuit in 2019 stating that Perloe’s death was accelerated, and her suffering increased, due to painful, pus-filled stings caused by fire ants.
The verdict from the Gwinnett County State Court jury included $500,000 for wrongful death, $1 million for suffering and $1 million in punitive damages. The jury also awarded $300,000 for attorney fees and expenses, according to the media outlet.
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