Sherrod’s family alleged that the death precipitated from serious physical injury and neglect that occurred during her 3.5-month stay at High Pointe Health and Rehabilitation in Memphis. On July 30, 2004, she was admitted to the nursing facility suffering from multiple medical problems, including a history of five previous strokes, severe heart disease (congestive heart failure, arrhythmia and heart block), diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease and severe dementia. Also at the time of her admission, Sherrod was fed by a tube –– previously having lost her ability to swallow –– and suffered a pressure ulcer on her left heel.
Upon her discharge on Nov. 15, 2005, Sherrod suffered from malnutrition, dehydration, and septic shock, and she was transferred to Methodist University Hospital. Her family alleged that her pressure ulcer had deteriorated and she suffered additional wounds over and above those she had upon admission.