Boone Operations, LLC, D/B/A Harrison Rehabilitation and Health Ceter; Harrison – Progressive Eldercare Services, Inc., D/B/A Harrison Rehabilitation and Care Center; Progressive Eldercare Services, Inc.; Jej Investments, LLC; Marybret, LLC; Ross Ponthie; John F. Ponthie; Mark Thompson; Cathy Abatangle, in Her Capacity as Administrator of Harrison Rehabilitatoin and Health Center; And Lillie I. Dean, in Her Capacity as Director of Nursing of Harrison Rehabilitation and Health Center v. Cherie Adams, as Personal Administratrix of the Estate of Roy Gattis and on Behalf of the Wrongful Death Beneficiaries of Roy Gattis

Court Ruling Summary: Boone Operations, LLC v. Cherie Adams

What Happened
A nursing home resident named Roy Gattis died, and his estate sued Harrison Rehabilitation and Health Center for negligence and medical malpractice. The nursing home tried to stop the lawsuit by claiming the resident had signed an arbitration agreement—a contract requiring disputes to be settled privately rather than in court. However, the agreement was signed by only one of two agents authorized to make decisions for the resident, even though the power of attorney document required both to act together.

What the Court Decided
The Arkansas Court of Appeals ruled the arbitration agreement was invalid and unenforceable. Because the power of attorney required two agents' signatures but only one person signed, the agreement didn't meet the legal requirements.

Why This Matters for Workers
This case protects vulnerable people by ensuring agreements are properly signed according to the rules set out in their documents. Nursing homes and employers cannot use improperly signed arbitration agreements to prevent lawsuits. Workers and their families maintain the right to pursue claims in court when necessary agreements lack proper authorization.