A new lawsuit alleges that failures by a local nursing home and its management companies led to the injury and eventual death of an elderly resident, raising questions about care standards for vulnerable individuals in long-term facilities. The complaint was filed on February 13, 2026, in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County by Stefanie Perazzo, acting as personal representative of the Estate of Theresa Rotondo, against Aspire at Countryside (doing business as Countryside Blvd Opco LLC), Aspire MGT LLC, and Synergy Healthcare Services (doing business as Pourlessoins LLC).
According to the court filing, Theresa Rotondo was admitted to Aspire at Countryside on December 19, 2023, for rehabilitation following a left hip fracture. The facility’s records noted her as a high fall risk. The complaint states that on January 6, 2024, Rotondo activated her call bell during the night seeking assistance to use the bathroom but received no response from staff. As a result, she attempted to go unassisted and fell.
The lawsuit further alleges that on January 30, 2024—again during the night—Rotondo activated her call bell for help but did not receive assistance. She tried once more to reach the restroom alone and slipped on water from an uncovered cup left on her nightstand. This incident resulted in an intertrochanteric right hip fracture. Rotondo ultimately passed away on February 15, 2024.
The plaintiff asserts that both Aspire at Countryside and its management entities had non-delegable duties under Florida law and federal regulations to provide adequate care and maintain safe conditions for residents. Specific allegations include failing to train or supervise staff properly; not having enough staff to meet residents’ needs; failing to respond promptly to call bells; allowing hazardous conditions such as spillable containers near high-risk residents; not implementing effective fall-prevention plans; failing to notify physicians about changes in condition; and not providing timely medical evaluation after falls.
The complaint outlines multiple counts of negligence against each defendant—Countryside Blvd Opco LLC (the facility owner/licensee), Aspire MGT LLC (a management company alleged to control staffing levels and operations), and Synergy Healthcare Services (another management company with similar operational roles). Each is accused of breaching duties established by state statutes (including section 400.023 Florida Statutes), administrative codes (Florida Administrative Code Chapter 59A-4), federal regulations (Title 42 C.F.R. Part 483), and specific requirements related to Medicare/Medicaid compliance.
As described in the filing: “COUNTRYSIDE BLVD OPCO LLC through the actions of its employees or any entity it delegated its non-delegable duties to, breached the above-described duties…” Similar language is used regarding Aspire MGT LLC and Synergy Healthcare Services.
The estate claims these breaches directly caused Rotondo’s injuries—including catastrophic hip fractures—and contributed to her pain, suffering, disability, loss of enjoyment of life, increased medical expenses, aggravation of prior conditions, and ultimately her death. Additionally, survivors Stefanie Perazzo and Veronica Foley are identified as natural daughters entitled under Florida’s Wrongful Death statute who suffered lost parental companionship and mental anguish.
Plaintiff seeks damages exceeding $50,000 exclusive of costs or attorney fees—a figure entered solely for jurisdictional purposes—with actual damages requested for determination by a jury. Relief sought includes compensatory damages for bodily injury and wrongful death; pre-judgment interest for pecuniary losses; reimbursement for medical expenses; funeral costs; litigation costs; any other relief deemed appropriate by the court; as well as a trial by jury on all triable issues.
The case is being handled by attorney Scott Distasio of Distasio Law Firm in Tampa. The case number is 26-000989-CI.
Source: 26000989CI_Stefanie_Perazzo_v_Aspire_At_Countryside_Complaint_Pinellas_County_Florida.pdf
