ATTORNEY NEWSLETTER
Two Dementia Patients Injured By Assault
Aide Seen Pushing Two Patients To The Ground On Surveillance Footage
Charges Of Felony Elder Abuse
California requires special qualifications for facilities taking care of dementia sufferers. See, e.g., Cal. Code of Regulations § 87705 et seq. Despite the regulations, some care facilities will admit dementia patients they are not qualified to accept. And even in facilities that are qualified to care for dementia patients. dementia patients remain 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 San Francisco 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).
Physical Abuse Of Dementia Patients Allegedly Caught On Camera
A recent case illustrates how vulnerable dementia patients are to intentional abuse.[1] In the case, authorities have arrested a former caregiver for allegedly abusing dementia patients in a senior assisted care facility. Following a lengthy investigation, detectives say that the aide pushed two elderly dementia residents to the ground. The incidents were caught on a surveillance camera, according to authorities. The first victim had to be transported by ambulance to a hospital for treatment of head injuries sustained in the incident. Another video, according to the authorities, shows a confrontation with another dementia resident who may have tried to assist the first victim. Detectives 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 felony abuse of an elderly person. If convicted, she faces up to 10 years in state prison. The charges are pending.
Accountability For Elder And Dependent Adult Abuse
Surveillance cameras do sometimes capture abuse of nursing home residents. But even without cameras, families and loved ones of residents should look for signs 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 San Francisco 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.
