Husband of Slain Nurse Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against Employer Over Safety Concerns

The husband of a Connecticut visiting nurse, who was brutally killed during a patient appointment with a convicted rapist, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the employer of his late wife. Ronald Grayson is suing Elara Caring, along with its affiliated companies and others, over the tragic killing of his wife, Joyce Grayson. The 63-year-old mother of six was found dead in the basement of a halfway house in Willimantic on October 28. Her death was a result of strangulation and multiple blunt force injuries, according to authorities.

The lawsuit, filed on Monday, May 6, 2024, alleges that Elara Caring repeatedly ignored workers' safety concerns regarding the treatment of dangerous patients. It claims that employees of Elara Caring affiliates had been subjected to verbal, physical, and sexual harassment, as well as assaults, attacks, and threats from mentally unstable and/or violent patients. The lawsuit seeks undisclosed damages and states that the company prioritized profitability over addressing the valid concerns raised by its employees.

Negligence and Preventable Death

The legal action accuses the company of failing to implement a policy allowing escorts or other staff to accompany nurses when visiting potentially dangerous clients. It emphasizes that Joyce Grayson's death was entirely preventable and holds those who failed to protect her from a violent offender accountable.

In response to the allegations, Elara Caring called the claims "unwarranted" and emphasized that it provides home care for over 60,000 patients in 17 states. The company expressed its devastation and anger over the loss of Joyce Grayson and defended its services, stating that it only provided care after receiving clearance from Connecticut's Department of Correction, Board of Pardons and Parole, and the Judicial branch, which determined it was safe to put the offender back into the community.

The tragic incident has sparked calls for greater protections for home health care workers in both Connecticut and across the country. Lawmakers are now considering a bill aimed at improving safety measures for healthcare workers, highlighting the need for enhanced safeguards in the industry.

Ongoing Legal Processes

Besides the lawsuit against Elara Caring, Grayson's family is also seeking permission to sue the state Judicial Branch and the Department of Correction for $25 million due to their oversight of the convicted rapist. The providers and authorities involved are yet to comment on these claims, marking an ongoing legal battle in the aftermath of the devastating incident.

Notably, the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has proposed fining Elara Caring approximately $161,000 after finding that the company failed to protect Joyce Grayson, shedding light on the regulatory repercussions following the incident.