Family of James Ellis blames New York and New Jersey owners for understaffing, substandard care, and profit-driven decisions in Arkansas nursing home.

LITTLE ROCK, AR, UNITED STATES, February 24, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- The Law Office of Thomas G. Buchanan has filed a wrongful death lawsuit in the Circuit Court of Columbia County, Arkansas, Case No. 14-CV-25-45-1, on behalf of Nancy Ellis, Special Personal Representative of the Estate of her late husband, James Ellis. The suit targets a network of out-of-state owners—primarily based in New York and New Jersey—operating under the “The Springs Arkansas” brand. According to the complaint, these owners prioritized profit over resident well-being, allowing chronic understaffing and inadequate care that allegedly led to Mr. Ellis’s death.

Mr. Ellis was admitted to The Springs Magnolia in March 2022. As his physical mobility declined, he required consistent supervision and assistance. The lawsuit claims he did not receive it, asserting that staff failed to reposition him regularly, neglected wound care, and did not act promptly when infections developed. Over time, Mr. Ellis developed painful pressure wounds (bedsores) that worsened to the point of requiring hospital-level treatment. Tragically, he died in December 2023, leaving behind a grieving family seeking answers and accountability.

Out-of-State Owners and Alleged Corporate Maneuvers
The complaint places significant blame on facility owners based in New York and New Jersey. Despite employing multiple limited liability companies (LLCs)—including Magnolia Healthcare LLC, The Springs Arkansas LLC, White River Healthcare LLC, Wellspring Healthcare LLC, Wellstone Magnolia Management LLC, and The Wellstone Group LLC—the lawsuit alleges that they all operate together as “The Springs of Arkansas.” Nancy Ellis’s attorneys argue that, although this web of LLCs appears independent on paper, major decisions on staffing, budgets, and care policies are made by a unified leadership group located out of state.

“These owners set budgets, dictate staffing levels, and impose cost-saving measures from over a thousand miles away,” said attorney Thomas G. Buchanan, who represents Nancy Ellis. “They knew local caregivers lacked the resources to meet the needs of vulnerable residents like Mr. Ellis but chose to continue with business as usual to keep profits high.”

The suit describes how staff at The Springs Magnolia allegedly struggled to maintain basic standards of care. Although Mr. Ellis’s condition required frequent turning and careful monitoring to prevent pressure sores, the complaint alleges there were insufficient staff to fulfill those needs. Consequently, Mr. Ellis developed severe wounds that became infected, triggering a downward health spiral. The complaint cites top-down decisions—such as limiting the number of on-duty caregivers and delaying medical referrals and transfers—as evidence of the owners’ refusal to adjust care standards to resident needs.

Preventable Injuries and Evidence of Substandard Care
Mr. Ellis’s family contends that his injuries were preventable had the facility provided adequate staffing, training, and oversight. The lawsuit points to a broader pattern: “The Springs of Arkansas” has faced similar complaints in other locations, yet the out-of-state owners allegedly continue to expand while keeping staffing levels low. The complaint also references internal branding and social media posts indicating that staff at each facility wear uniforms bearing the same “Springs Arkansas” logo, reinforcing the claim of centralized control.

“In reality, these LLCs function as one enterprise, with the same owners making decisions behind the scenes,” Buchanan added. “The owners attempt to distance themselves from liability on paper. But we will show in court how their decisions directly impacted the conditions leading to Mr. Ellis’s suffering and death.”

Seeking Reform and Damages
Nancy Ellis’s lawsuit seeks compensatory damages for her husband’s pain, suffering, loss of life, and other related harms, as well as punitive damages to penalize alleged reckless or willful misconduct. The complaint argues that, beyond securing compensation, broad reforms are necessary to protect other residents in facilities managed by these out-of-state owners. Without systemic change, the suit suggests, additional families could face similarly tragic outcomes.

“Our biggest hope is to bring attention to how these facilities are truly being operated and managed,” said Buchanan. “We need the owners to recognize that staffing and quality care aren’t optional extras but core responsibilities. If the leadership in New York or New Jersey won’t meet those obligations, they should not be operating facilities here in Arkansas.”

Nancy Ellis can be reached through her attorney Thomas G. Buchanan of the Law Office of Thomas G. Buchanan.

About the Law Office of Thomas G. Buchanan
Based in Little Rock, Arkansas, the Law Office of Thomas G. Buchanan focuses on nursing home and assisted living neglect, medical malpractice, catastrophic injury, and wrongful death. Attorney Buchanan is dedicated to holding healthcare operators accountable—whether local or out-of-state—when cost-cutting measures jeopardize the well-being of seniors and other vulnerable residents. Buchanan is a respected trial lawyer with a proven track record of winning high-stakes cases for individuals and families. He has been selected as a "Super Lawyer," "Superb Top-Rated Attorney," and has received the Outstanding Trial Lawyer of the Year Award in Arkansas.

Thomas G. Buchanan
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