Earlier this month, the family of a nursing home resident who allegedly was tied to a wheelchair and given medication without her permission filed a lawsuit against the nurses as well as the nursing home, seeking $17 million in compensation. According to a local news report covering the recently filed case, the complaint claims that two nurses from the facility used bed sheets to tie down the plaintiff’s mother and then administered narcotic medication to “silence” her.
According to the plaintiff’s complaint, on the next morning, nurses found the plaintiff’s mother still tied to her wheelchair. She had allegedly soiled herself over the evening.
Additionally, the plaintiff claims that the nursing home did not disclose this occurrence to her and actually went so far as to cover it up. Specifically, the plaintiff alleges that the nursing home fired nurses who brought the conduct to the attention of management. The plaintiff characterizes the nursing home’s internal investigation as “clandestine and superficial.”
In response, the nursing home claimed that it conducted a thorough investigation and determined that the employees reporting the behavior made it up to get their supervisor in trouble. The nursing home claims these employees “illegally” posted the allegations on social media before they were substantiated. The nursing home also implemented a “plan of correction” that a spokesperson very clearly stated was not an admission of fault.
It is important to keep in mind that at this point, these are only allegations that have not yet been proven. However, disturbing events similar to this occur in nursing homes each day across the country. Sadly, nursing home residents are rarely in a position to enforce their rights, and loved ones may not hear about allegations of abuse until much later.
What Can Be Done to Stop Nursing Home Abuse?
All employees at nursing homes have a duty to provide a safe environment and basic level of care to residents. When nursing homes and their employees fail to live up to this duty, employees can be sued in their individual capacity, and the nursing home can be sued as well. While evidence of nursing home abuse may be difficult to find, especially months after the allegations arose, a skilled personal injury attorney can help victims of nursing home abuse seek the compensation they deserve.
Are You Looking for a Dedicated Nursing Home Abuse Attorney?
If you or a loved one has recently been a victim of nursing home abuse, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. The skilled personal injury and wrongful death attorneys at the Maryland-based law firm of Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers have decades of experience standing up for victims and know what it takes to be successful on behalf of their clients. Call 410-654-3600 today to set up a free consultation today. Calling is free, and we will not bill you for our services unless we can help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
More Blog Posts:
Appellate Court Reverses Lower Court’s Dismissal of Plaintiff’s Nursing Home Slip-and-Fall Lawsuit, Maryland Nursing Home Lawyer Blog, published January 6, 2017.
Nursing Home Abuse Caught in the Act; Charges Unlikely, Maryland Nursing Home Lawyer Blog, published January 27, 2017.