Lawsuits Involving Sexual Abuse at a Nursing Home

 Posted on November 07, 2022 in Nursing Home Abuse

Sexual abuse of a nursing home resident can be incredibly difficult for family members to identify and address to satisfaction. Anybody who is dealing with a nursing home abuse case in which they believe their loved one was sexually abused should immediately contact a Chicago nursing home abuse attorney.

Certain sexual abuse cases could result in both civil and criminal liability issues for nursing homes and their employees. People should familiarize themselves with some of the more common signs of sexual abuse so they can know how to spot when their loved one may be in danger. 

How Common Sexual Abuse Really Is 

CNN reported in 2017 that over 16,000 sexual abuse complaints were reported since 2000 in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. It also reported that 226 nursing homes were cited for failure to protect residents from substantiated sexual abuse between 2010 and 2015, and approximately 60 percent led to fines of over $9 million.

CNN also reported that the federal government cited over 1,000 nursing homes for failing to prevent or mishandling instances of rape, sexual assault, and sexual abuse at their facilities between 2013 and 2016. Nearly 100 of these facilities were cited multiple times during the same time period.

Federal law stipulates that nursing home residents have the right to be free from sexual abuse. Nursing home facilities have an obligation to have policies and procedures to prevent abuse, train staff on how to report abuse, and vet potential employees who may have a criminal record involving abuse. Whenever abuse is alleged, the nursing home must conduct its own investigation into the allegation and thoroughly document and report its results.

Whenever you suspect your loved one is the victim of sexual abuse, begin by ensuring their immediate safety and move them to a safe area. Report the abuse to a nursing home administrator as well as local police.

Help a resident get necessary medical attention, including a rape kit if necessary, and then make calls to your state’s licensing and certification agency, Adult Protective Services (APS), and your long-term care ombudsman program. Make sure to check in regularly with your loved one to see how they are recovering.

Contact a Chicago Nursing Home Abuse Attorney 

Do you think that you might have a nursing home abuse case involving sexual abuse in Cook County? You will want to reach out to the Chicago nursing home abuse lawyers at Schwartz Injury Law for assistance in holding the negligent nursing home fully accountable.

Our firm will know what steps to take to protect your rights and fight to ensure you recover all of the compensation you are entitled to. You can call 312-535-4625 or contact us online to receive your own free consultation.

Source:

https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2017/02/health/nursing-home-sex-abuse-investigation/