Estate Sued Scottish Rite Park After Resident Death
A lawsuit alleges that staff negligence led to the fatal fall of a Des Moines resident from a mechanical lift.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Alzheimer’s
The estate of Lena K. Rocha filed a negligence lawsuit in Polk County District Court against Scottish Rite Park Health Care Center. The action follows the death of Rocha on May 8, 2026, which occurred after she was dropped from a mechanical lift in April.
Why it matters
The lawsuit centers on claims of staff failure to follow safety protocols during resident transfers. It highlights ongoing concerns regarding patient safety and equipment handling at the Des Moines facility.
State regulators reduced the fine against the facility to $7,750 from an initial $23,250. This follows previous penalties, including a $15,000 fine linked to an incident in January 2025.
The players
Lena K. Rocha
She was a resident of the Scottish Rite Park Health Care Center who died following a fall.
Scottish Rite Park Health Care Center
This is a nursing and health care facility located in Des Moines that has faced multiple citations regarding patient transfers.
Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing
This state agency oversees the regulation and inspection of health care facilities throughout Iowa.
The details
According to a state investigation, a lift loop detached while staff members were transferring Rocha, resulting in a fall that caused blunt head trauma. Facility staff admitted to failing to follow established protocols for verifying the security of lift loops during the procedure.
Timeline
February 2024: State inspectors cited the facility for a resident transfer incident.
April 29, 2026: Rocha fell from a mechanical lift during a transfer.
May 8, 2026: Rocha died due to complications from head injuries.
Health Landscape
This lawsuit follows a pattern of safety failures established by the facility's February 2024 citation for dropping a resident. Such recurring incidents highlight broader challenges in maintaining consistent transfer safety protocols across skilled nursing environments.
Families with loved ones in assisted living should inquire about staff training frequencies for mechanical lift equipment. Understanding a facility’s history of safety citations can help in making informed decisions about long-term care placements.
The takeaway
Patients and their families are encouraged to directly verify equipment safety procedures with nursing facility administrators. Proactive oversight regarding the implementation of safety protocols remains a critical step for ensuring resident protection in clinical settings.
Further reading
Learn more about protective standards in memory care at Alzheimer’s.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Iowacapitaldispatch.
