Over the past several decades, the numbers of residents at nursing homes across the country have increased. Coinciding with this increase in population has been a frightening increase in the instances of nursing home abuse and neglect. Indeed, by some estimates, one in 10 nursing home residents will suffer some kind of abuse during their stay.
More recently, there has been a push for the placement of hidden cameras by advocates for the elderly as well as by the families of those who have been affected by nursing home abuse or neglect. Indeed, several states have encouraged residents to place hidden cameras in their rooms. That being said, other states have not yet ruled on whether hidden cameras are permissible, given the fact that the camera must be placed on nursing home property and may require the nursing home’s permission.
While documenting abuse or neglect cannot prevent it from occurring, it can certainly make holding the culpable parties responsible for their actions easier in both civil and criminal courts. According to a recent news report, hidden cameras in a New Jersey nursing home have resulted in charges being filed against at least one former nursing home employee for the abuse of a resident.
Woman Caught on Camera Abusing Nursing Home Resident Charged with Assault
According to the article, a 44-year-old nurse in a New Jersey nursing home is now facing charges based on allegations that she assaulted a resident who was placed under her care. Evidently, a hidden camera that was placed in the resident’s room documents the nurse kicking a wheelchair out from underneath a 73-year-old resident. The nurse faces charges of third-degree aggravated assault. The case is still pending in criminal court, and there is no indication whether the injured resident or her family is filing a civil lawsuit.
Proving Allegations of Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect
In too many cases, the victims of nursing home abuse or neglect are not able to adequately protect themselves or even report the abuse. It stands to reason that, as more states allow the presence of hidden cameras in nursing homes, more and more of the allegations against employees will be substantiated. As it stands now, proving a case of nursing home abuse or neglect can be difficult in that evidence is often sparse. However, with the assistance of a dedicated nursing home abuse and neglect attorney, families may be able to hold the responsible parties accountable.
Do You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect?
If you have a loved one in a Maryland nursing home, and you suspect that they may have been a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, you or your loved one may be entitled to monetary compensation. The skilled attorneys at the Maryland nursing home abuse and neglect law firm of Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers have extensive experience representing both nursing home residents and their families in a wide range of lawsuits alleging both abuse and neglect. To learn more about the laws that protect nursing home residents and allow for financial compensation for victims of abuse or neglect, call 410-654-3600 to speak with an attorney today.
More Blog Posts:
The Use of Hidden Cameras in Maryland Nursing Homes, Maryland Nursing Home Lawyer Blog, published May 12, 2017.
Appellate Court Upholds Nursing Home Arbitration Clause Despite Flaws in the Contractual Language, Maryland Nursing Home Lawyer Blog, published June 7, 2017.