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Mentally ill patient at nursing care facility sexually assaulted

On Behalf of | May 31, 2019 | Nursing Home Abuse

When we think about nursing homes, we often think about a care facility for the elderly. However, there are people of younger age who need care in a similar fashion, but for different reasons.

In addition, we often think of the topic of nursing home abuse as being physical abuse, meaning neglect or a mistake that results in injury. However, nursing home abuse can also be emotional or even, sexual.

Such was the case according to allegations of the family of a mentally disabled young woman. According to reports, a staff nurse at the Missouri facility touched her inappropriately in exchange for cigarettes. The same report indicated that the facility that employed that person did fire them after an investigation. A similar story surfaced involving another patient at that same care facility.

Any type of nursing home abuse, including sexual abuse, is not acceptable. Alleged perpetrators can face criminal charges, and this can help the injured and their families gain a sense of closure. However, criminal charges against the perpetrator do not necessarily help victims and their families with medical expenses and other damages related to the abuse.

The injured and their loved ones may need to seek compensation for their damages through a personal injury suit. In some cases, multiple parties may be held liable for damages. In addition to the abuser, the facility’s owners and management may share some of the legal responsibility for the injury.

These cases can be emotionally and technically difficult. The injured and their families should speak to a personal injury attorney with experience in the issues of nursing home abuse.