BUTTE — A civil suit has been filed against a long-term care facility in Butte after two family members of residents accuse the facility of negligence prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Family members of Arthur Vidrich and Michelle Sullivan have filed the lawsuit against Continental Care and Rehabilitation in Butte. Both residents contracted COVID-19 at the facility. Vidrich died; Sullivan recovered but suffered injury.
The lawsuit, which was filed in Butte District Court in November alleges neglect and abuse and claims the facility failed to provide effective infection protection and control during the pandemic.
The complaint also alleges the facility is understaffed and failed to provide adequate care prior to and during the pandemic.
“The lack of staffing, although these nurses and CNAs are working very hard and should be commended for their wonderful work, unfortunately they were unable to, despite their hardest efforts, meet the reasonable needs of these residents,” said Attorney Ethan Welder of McGarvey Law handling the case.
The law firm is also suing the Whitefish Care and Rehabilitation Center with similar allegations.
As of Nov. 23, 13 residents at the Butte facility have died due to COVID-19.