FAQ: Aramark Wrongful Death Lawsuit Over Hospital Neglect

What is this lawsuit about?

This is a federal wrongful-death lawsuit alleging that Aramark employees ignored 37-year-old Zachary Graff for over 15 hours during a medical emergency in a Chinese hospital, leading to his preventable death.

Who is filing the lawsuit and who are the defendants?

The lawsuit is filed by attorneys Brett J. Kaminsky and Katherine Lekh of Friedman Schuman Layser PC on behalf of the estate, naming Philadelphia-based Aramark Corporation and multiple subsidiaries as defendants.

What specific allegations are made against Aramark?

The complaint alleges negligent hiring, training, supervision and retention, claiming at least 10 Aramark employees saw Graff in medical distress but failed to alert medical personnel, with staff cleaning around him, talking to him while unresponsive, and ultimately locking him on the hospital floor overnight.

When and where did this incident occur?

The incident occurred on May 7, 2023, at Gulou Hospital in Nanjing, China, where Aramark provided cleaning and security services under contract.

What happened to Zachary Graff during the 15-hour period?

After taking medication for knee pain around 10:30 a.m., Graff became unresponsive and was seen staggering before sitting in a chair where he remained for hours. Security footage shows Aramark employees walking past him repeatedly, with one guard telling him to ‘stop sleeping’ three times, and the floor was eventually locked with him still inside.

How was Zachary Graff eventually discovered?

His wife arrived around 11 p.m. after being unable to reach him, but Aramark security initially refused her entry. After involving police and reviewing surveillance video, she found him unconscious at about 2:15 a.m., and medical assistance was called but unable to resuscitate him.

What is the current status of the legal case?

The case was originally filed in Pennsylvania state court but was removed to federal court on May 29, 2025, and is now pending in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania as Baehmann v. Aramark Corp. et al., No. 2:25-cv-02758.

What does the lawsuit seek?

The lawsuit seeks compensatory damages and a jury trial for the alleged wrongful death resulting from Aramark’s systemic neglect in staffing, training, and oversight.

Where can I learn more about this case?

More information about this case is available through the law firm Friedman Schuman Layser PC at their website fsalaw.com or their specific blog post about this case.