Puerto Rico court upholds ruling against A&M Contract, Inc.

The Court of Appeals of Puerto Rico recently upheld a decision against A&M Contract, Inc., confirming a ruling that imposed a fine and corrective measures due to serious deficiencies in the care of elderly residents. This ruling affects the company and highlights the importance of safety and compliance in facilities that care for vulnerable populations.

The case, Oficina Del Procurador De Las Personas De Edad Avanzada (Oppea) v. A&M Contract, Inc., was filed under docket number TA2026RA00005. It stems from an investigation into the conditions at a facility called Égida Leopoldo Figueroa, where two elderly residents were found deceased in July 2024. The Office of Legal Affairs (OAL) of the OPPEA filed a complaint against A&M, alleging negligence in maintaining safety standards.

The OPPEA's investigation revealed serious deficiencies in the facility's operations. Following this, the OAL requested that the court impose fines and corrective measures against A&M. The OPPEA issued a summary resolution on September 4, 2025, which confirmed these findings and imposed a fine of $6,000 along with other corrective actions.

In response, A&M Contract, Inc. sought a judicial review, arguing that the OPPEA had erred in dismissing a proposed settlement agreement between the parties. They claimed that this agreement demonstrated their commitment to rectify the issues identified by the OPPEA. However, the OPPEA maintained that no valid settlement had been reached, as the necessary documentation was not provided.

On May 19, 2026, the court ruled on the matter. The panel of judges, including Judge Candelaria Rosa, confirmed the OPPEA's summary resolution. They stated, "the OPPEA acted correctly by accepting the request from the Office of Legal Affairs as a summary resolution and declaring the complaint valid." The court emphasized that A&M did not present sufficient evidence to support their claims regarding the alleged settlement.

The ruling indicates that the court found no reason to intervene in the OPPEA's determination. The judges noted that A&M had failed to provide the necessary documentation to support its claims, which included a transcribed record of the alleged settlement discussions. Without this evidence, the court could not evaluate the validity of A&M's arguments.

This ruling has significant implications for A&M Contract, Inc. and similar entities. It reinforces the importance of compliance with safety regulations and the need for proper documentation in legal disputes. The court's decision also underscores the responsibility of facilities that care for elderly individuals to maintain high standards of safety and care.

Going forward, this ruling may set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in Puerto Rico. It emphasizes that administrative agencies like the OPPEA have the authority to impose penalties and corrective measures when facilities fail to meet safety standards. This decision could influence how other facilities operate and ensure that they prioritize the well-being of their residents.

A&M Contract, Inc. has the option to appeal the court's decision. However, details about any related cases or future actions were not available in the court filing. The outcome of this case may prompt further scrutiny of facilities that care for the elderly in Puerto Rico, ensuring that they adhere to the necessary standards to protect vulnerable populations.