Owner of Saint-Lambert nursing home loses court case

The owner of a nursing home on Montreals South Shore, which is already under investigation for allegations of mistreatment, lost his bidto get a $250,000 lawsuitagainst himthrown out of court.

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The case started in 2011, when Pierrette Thriault-Martel turned to the media about what she described as neglectat her mother's nursing home.

She claimed that Savoie tried to save money by telling staff to stop changingresidents diapers overnight.

After Thriault-Martel went to the media with her story, Savoie responded with a $400,000 lawsuit saying she tarnished his name. He lost that case.

Woman sues back

Thriault-Martelis now suingSavoiefor $250,000 in damages a case Savoie tried, but failed,to havethrown out of court Friday.

A Quebec judge said Savoieattempted to silence and intimidateThriault-Martel by filing a $400,000 defamation suit.

Thriault-Martelsaid in the Longueuil courthouse Friday thatshe felt her only option was to go public.

They need somebody to talk for them, and I was there to see so [many things]. It's unbelievable. So now we see what's happening now. It's [continuing]. It's scary, she said.

Thriault-Martel says her counter suit, where she's now seeking $250,000 in damages, isa matter of principle.

It's not personal. Its about the true things of life. You don't accept when you see someone go to an animal and beat it. You're going to defend it. [The seniors] need somebody to talk for them."

Her lawyer Jean-PierreMnardsays it could be a long legal battle, but they're ready to fight.

"We will represent her up to the end of this case we will never be tired. Mrs. Martel is fed up a lot," he said .

Savoie refused to comment on the ruling, but his lawyer says they will appeal.