Margaret Marshall

As most of you know, our mother Margaret Marshall was born and raised in Naugatuck. Like her mother Margaret Kelley, lived in Oak Terrace for over 20 years. Somewhere along the line the facility changed from a senior facility to a facility for senior’s and people with disabilities.

Our mother was not safe the night she went outside Feb 7, 2010 at Oak Terrace. It was proven in court that ice build up caused a dangerous situation which was confirmed by a maintenance worker and proven in court. The Naugatuck housing authority was negligent for not removing the ice. No one from the Naugatuck housing authority noticed the build up of ice since they were not advised to check the sidewalks after they shoveled. The ice was there for several weeks and was in the back of the apartment and not noticeable to visitors but should have been noticeable to workers. Common sense would tell you that our mother would not have fallen if the ice was removed and she would be alive today.  No one knows why she went outside that night, possibly to empty garbage. There should be hand rails around the garbage cans.

The Naugatuck housing authority by a jury of their peers was found guilty of negligence but appealed. Never did they send condolences nor show concern. We were prepared to retry the case and defend our mother’s name but before the new trial occurred the Naugatuck housing authority wanted to settle. We agreed to settle for a minimal amount since it was imperative that the Naugatuck housing authority be held accountable for contributing to our mothers passing. We believe, any amount of a settlement is an admission of guilt.

We are so thankful for the justice system and Atty. Jim Miron for believing in us. We pray the Naugatuck housing authority learned a valuable lesson and will take better care for seniors and improve the facility to make it safe.

                                                                         From her loving family