Many of the nation’s elderly citizens find themselves in need of taking up residence in a nursing or assisted living facility. As the number of residents increases in these places, so does the apparent number of incidents involving nursing home negligence. Ohio residents will want to be aware and educate themselves as to what to do if they or their loved one becomes victim to substandard care that results in injury or illness.
In a recent case outside the state, a nurse has pleaded guilty to covering up abuses of a sexual nature at the nursing home where she was employed. As the former director of the care facility, she was accused of tampering with evidence. The 40-year-old nurse is said to have admitted that she destroyed documents containing witness testimony that described sexual assaults taking place in the nursing home. She also said that she concealed certain medical records to hide patient neglect.
The nurse could be sentenced to up to four years in prison. There are other defendants in the case, including the company that operates the facility and various officials who work there. A sentencing hearing is reportedly scheduled for early Dec. 2015.
It can be very stressful and worrisome for Ohio residents to think that their loved one has been the victim of nursing home negligence. The law allows anyone who has suffered professional neglect to file a legal claim in a civil court in order to seek compensation for damages incurred. Consulting with a legal professional who has experience in personal injury cases would be a first logical step to take in the process.
Source: syracuse.com, “Nurse admits covering up sexual abuse, neglect at Herkimer nursing home“, James T. Mulder, Aug. 26, 2015
