A Los Angeles skilled nursing facility accused of dependent adult abuse won the right to compel arbitration in a California appellate court, dealing a blow to family members seeking legal redress for a resident’s death.

Skyler A. Womack died at Asistencia Villa Rehabilitation and Care Center, operated by Silverscreen Healthcare, in October 2020. Skyler’s parents, Jonie Holland and Wayne Womack, subsequently sued the facility on their son’s behalf for dependent adult abuse, negligence and violation of residents’ rights.