In November 2018, a 76-year-old woman was in her room at Autumn Lake Healthcare. The mother of seven had been a resident there for some time and was doing well. She had even begun to spend time with another resident, an 81-year-old man. What she didn’t know what that man had a history of criminal activity.

Elderly Woman Strangled With Her Own Scarf

On November 24th, 2018, the female resident was in her male companion’s room, sitting in her wheelchair. Suddenly he went behind her chair, took her scarf, and started to choke her with it. His roommate left the room calling for help and the nursing home staff intervened, but the damage was done. The elderly woman didn’t have a pulse.

The nursing home staff performed CPR and she was rushed to the hospital where she survived another day before passing away.

While the staff was working to save the woman’s life, the man who had hurt her simple walked away and took a seat in the dining hall. When police arrived and questioned him, he told officers that he and the woman were in a relationship. He then explained that they had gotten into an argument earlier in the day and so he had started to plan her death.

He also informed the nursing home staff that the woman was “evil” and “had to die”. He has since been charged with murder.

Victim’s Family Sues Nursing Home

In a recent lawsuit, the family of the victim has alleged that the nursing home and its staff “knew or should have known that John Jensen posed a danger to other residents”. They note that he had a criminal history and that the nursing home should have supervised him in order to protect other residents.

The plaintiffs are seeking compensation for the deceased’s medical bills, funeral and burial expenses, and other losses caused by her death.

Abuse A Common Occurrence In Nursing Homes

Despite the fact that nursing home residents are there to be cared for, physical and sexual abuse, in addition to neglect, happens all too often in these facilities. To make matters worse, these horrific violations are drastically underreported for several reasons, including fear of retaliation and the physical inability to communicate.

The loved ones of nursing home residents should keep an eye out for the common signs of abuse and neglect, which can include:

• Malnutrition
• Weight Loss
• Bed Sores
• Unexplained Cuts, Bruises, or Scars
• Unexplained Fear of a Person or Place

If you believe that abuse or neglect is taking place, you can take steps to protect your loved one and Pa Nursing Home Lawyers can help.

What Can Be Gained From Taking Legal Action Against A Nursing Home?

The past can’t be altered but with compensation, the future can be a brighter one. A nursing home abuse or neglect lawsuit may provide you and your loved ones with significant compensation. This compensation which comes through either a settlement or successful verdict varies in each case and is intended to cover any losses sustained by the plaintiffs.

If A Resident Dies, Who Can File A Nursing Home Lawsuit?

Typically those who are eligible to pursue legal action on behalf of a deceased resident include the parents, spouse, or children. However, other individuals who were dependant upon the deceased may also be eligible.

Why Should I Speak With An Attorney?

Nursing homes are notorious for failing to prevent, discover, or report instances of neglect or abuse. Often when a facility learns that they may be investigated, records will “disappear” or be “lost”. These records can hold crucial evidence.

An attorney can issue a subpeona that will protect these records. Our legal team has years of experience and we know where to look. Our lawyers also consult with medical experts who can testify on behalf of our client if the case goes to trial.

To learn more about the legal process and what you may gain from it, contact our law firm today.