Resident-on-Resident Mistreatment is Often Overlooked in Nursing Homes

 Posted on February 26, 2020 in Nursing Home Abuse

When most people consider nursing home neglect and abuse, they think of abuse and mistreatment at the hands of nursing home staff. However, this is not the only way that nursing home residents can be subject to verbal and physical harm. Sometimes, a nursing home resident can suffer severe maltreatment at the hands of another resident. Nursing home staff have a responsibility to supervise residents – especially residents who have a history of violent behavior. When a nursing home resident injures another resident, it is possible that the nursing home facility will be liable for the injuries.

Keeping Residents Safe From Other Residents

Alzheimer’s Disease, dementia, and other neurological conditions are common in nursing home residents. These diseases can make a resident confused and frightened. A resident who is typically a kind, nonviolent person may lash out at another resident in his or her confusion. Nursing home staff should carefully monitor residents and take every step possible to avoid resident confrontations. When nursing home staff fail to uphold their duty to properly supervise residents and a resident is harmed as a result, the staff or facility may be legally responsible for the damages caused.  The injured resident may be entitled to financial compensation for medical expenses incurred by the attack as well as compensation for physical pain and mental suffering.

Nursing Home Resident’s Death Ruled Homicide

Just recently, a 45-year-old man living in an Ohio nursing home died due to the shocking actions of another resident. The coroner has reported that the man’s death was caused by asphyxiation by smothering or strangulation. Another resident has been arrested on a preliminary murder charge for the man’s death.

Tragic stories like these should never happen. Sadly, residents being harmed by other residents, sometimes called “resident-to-resident elder mistreatment” is not uncommon. In fact, one study conducted by Weill Cornell Medical College and Cornell University found that nearly 20 percent of nursing home residents were affected by resident-to-resident mistreatment. This mistreatment included verbal harassment such as screaming and cursing, physical violence, unwanted sexual contact, and invasions of privacy.

Contact a Chicago Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Attorney

Elderly and disabled individuals staying in a nursing home deserve to have privacy and feel safe. When nursing home staff do not take precautions to prevent resident-to-resident elder mistreatment, this may be considered unlawful neglect. If your loved one was the victim of abuse or harassment at a nursing home, contact Schwartz Injury Law to learn about your legal options. Call us at 312-535-4625 today and schedule a free consultation with an experienced Illinois nursing home injury lawyer.

Sources:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/crime/update-man-strangled-at-dayton-nursing-home-fellow-resident-arrested/ar-BB10tLec

https://seniorhousingnews.com/2014/11/20/study-finds-20-of-skilled-nursing-residents-involved-in-aggressive-behavior/