BOYNTON BEACH, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2026 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — A Palm Beach County nursing home resident developed a preventable pressure injury on her tailbone after staff failed to give her the care she needed, according to a lawsuit filed Wednesday.
Deborah Starling was admitted to Sovereign Healthcare of Boynton Beach for ongoing medical conditions and cognitive changes, the filing says, and depended on staff for help with daily activities. The suit claims she was at risk for skin breakdown, falls, infection, malnutrition and dehydration. It lists 29 alleged failures against each company, including not preventing pressure ulcers, not keeping her clean or changing her diapers and linens, and not telling her family about serious changes in her condition.
The complaint names two companies: Sovereign Healthcare of Boynton Beach, LLC, identified as the facility’s licensee, and Southern Healthcare Management, LLC, described as the management company that controlled the home’s budget, staffing levels, policies and the hiring of its administrator.
The suit seeks in excess of $50,000 — the statutory minimum for filing in Palm Beach County Circuit Court. Boca Raton attorney Ryan G. Dwyer of Senior Justice Law Firm represents the family. The defendants had not responded to the suit as of Friday morning. Read the complaint, below.
