Professional Negligence Law Reporter

Doe, a 77-year-old man with a history of wandering, lived in a memory care facility. He eloped from the facility and was found alive the next day in a field less than a mile away. Doe subsequently died of complications from heat exposure. He is survived by his wife and adult daughter.

Suit against the facility alleged negligence and wrongful death. The plaintiff claimed that Doe had eloped from the facility previously by climbing over a courtyard fence. The defense denied that Doe had previously eloped and claimed that he left the facility through an exit door that unlocked when a fire alarm sounded.

The parties settled for $1 million.

Citation: Doe v. Roe, Confidential Dkt. No. (N.C. Confidential Ct. 2023).

Plaintiff counsel: Stephen Gugenheim, Raleigh, N.C.