ATTORNEY NEWSLETTER
Aide Arrested For Abuse Of Two Dementia Patients
Camera Catches Aide Pushing Two Patients To The Ground
Aide Charged With Two Felony Charges Of Elder Abuse
Nearly 50% of elders with dementia experience abuse or neglect according to reports. Many dementia sufferers and Alzheimer’s disease patients reside in memory care or assisted living facilities. California requires special qualifications for facilities taking care of dementia sufferers but often facilities will admit patients they are not qualified to accept. In all events, dementia sufferers are particularly vulnerable to abuse. All persons and businesses responsible for elder and dependent adult abuse or neglect can be held accountable for their acts under the California Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act, Cal. Welf. & Inst. Code § 15600 et seq. See especially Cal. Welf. & Inst. Code §§ 15610.63(definition of physical elder abuse) and 15610.57(definition of neglect). Victims may be awarded the attorneys’ fees and costs for bringing their suit in certain circumstances. Cal. Welf. & Inst. Code § 15657(a). If you have a loved one who has suffered injury due to neglect, abandonment or abuse in a nursing home or care facility here in Napa County or elsewhere in California, call Evans Law Firm, Inc. at 415-441-8669, and we can help. Our toll-free number is 1-888-50EVANS (888-503-8267).
Alleged Physical Abuse Of Dementia Patients
A recently reported case illustrates how vulnerable dementia patients are to intentional abuse.[1] In the case, a local Sheriff has arrested a former senior caregiver for allegedly abusing senior residents in an assisted care facility. Following a lengthy investigation, detectives say that the aide pushed two elderly dementia residents resulting in them falling to the ground. The incidents were caught on surveillance camera, according to the Sheriff’s office. The Sheriff reported that the first incident resulted in an elderly dementia resident bleeding from the back and head. The resident then had to be transported by ambulance for further care. Another video, according to the authorities, shows a confrontation with a separate dementia resident who may have tried to assist the first victim. Detectives then say the aide pushed the second victim, who fell on her hip and back. According to the police, the video then shows the aide stepping around the second victim and walking away without helping or requesting further care for the victim. The aide is charged with two counts of abuse of an elderly person, both third-degree felonies. If convicted, she faces up to 10 years in state prison.
Recourse For Injured Residents And Families
Surveillance cameras can capture abuse of care facility residents but are not always installed in the rooms and halls of facilities. But even without cameras, families and loved ones of residents should look for signa of abuse or neglect when they visit older loved ones. Symptoms of abuse or neglect include bruises, scratch marks, bed sores/pressure wounds, bruises, weight loss, uncleanliness, excessive drowsiness and sleeping, behavioral changes like withdrawal or silence, confusion, or fear of certain staff members. If you see any signs whatsoever of abuse or neglect, do something about it. Seek counsel regarding possible claims your loved one might have against those responsible. Act quickly whenever you suspect any kind of abuse or neglect as the time period to bring suits for these kinds of cases can be very short. There is no benefit to waiting. If a loved one has suffered injury as the result of abuse or neglect, our attorneys will pursue all available remedies from owners, administrators and staff.
Contact Us
Ingrid M. Evans and Evans Law Firm, Inc. represent victims of nursing home abuse and neglect in Napa County and throughout California. Call Ingrid today at (415) 441-8669, or by email at <a href=”mailto:info@evanslaw.com”>info@evanslaw.com</a>. Our toll-free number is 1-888-50EVANS (888-503-8267). Ingrid will pursue all available remedies for injured seniors including recovery of attorneys’ fees and expenses for bringing your lawsuit.
[1] Evans Law Firm, Inc. was not involved in the case in any way.
