$110M lawsuit launched against Schlegel Villages

Windsor, Ont. — Schlegel Villages has been named in a $110-million class action lawsuit.

Plaintiff lawyer, Gary Will of Will Davidson LLP is heading up the case involving Schlegel’s 19 long-term care facilities and nine retirement homes in the province, including the Village of St. Clair.

Will claims gross negligence led to a significant COVID-19 outbreak at the south Windsor long-term care home on Dec. 8.

He says 63 residents died in that outbreak, stating Schlegel Villages did not properly care for its vulnerable residents.

Schlegel Village issued a statement to CTV News:

"Our efforts at all times, whether during the COVID-19 pandemic or in the regular daily lives of our Villages, are deeply rooted in the best service and care possible for the residents we serve. The entire care sector across the country has faced immense and unprecedented challenges during the pandemic. Our teams have faced these challenges and followed every guidance of Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health.

We know how hard it has been for residents and their loved ones and our deepest condolences are with those who faced loss because of COVID-19; we all feel that grief, for the residents we serve are part of our family. Throughout the course of the pandemic, we have made every effort to be entirely open and transparent with families and our neighbours in the community, and we will continue to do so.

As for any allegations, we will address them through the proper legal processes."