Bill Targets Nursing-Home Nemesis

A Tampa-based trial lawyer who has won millions in damages by suing nursing homes, penetrating the corporate veil to go after investors, vendors and contractors, may see his strategy blocked by a bill in the Florida Legislature. As the Herald/Times Tallahassee Bureau reports, Jim Wilkes says he “follows the assets” as he seeks large punitive damages from nursing homes that abuse or neglect patients. The nursing home industry is now fighting back, saying Wilkes’ lawsuits are scaring investors away from Florida facilities. Lawmakers are backing proposals that would prevent so-called “passive investors” from being sued.