Nursing home abuse is one of the most heartbreaking issues we face as families and communities. Many of these cases are brought to light by the best nursing home abuse lawyers so some form of compensation can be granted to those who have been affected.
These cases can be hard to hear about, but taking the time to familiarize ourselves with them can be important learning opportunities. This article includes 5 nursing home cases that can help us understand how to better care for, protect, and advocate for the elderly.
1. Elvira Nunziata’s Wheelchair Accident
At 92, Elvira Nunziata died tragically in her nursing home when she fell down the stairs in her wheelchair. The staff knew that she had dementia and a habit of wandering but didn’t keep track of her, despite alarms on her clothes and wheelchair. The alarm on the fire escape door leading to the stairs had also been disabled. Nunziata’s family received a total of $200 million in compensation.
What We Can Learn
This is one of the largest compensation amounts received for a nursing home abuse case, showing how important it is to get the best nursing home abuse lawyer possible for a successful outcome. It also highlights one of the most common forms of nursing home abuse, which is neglect or lack of proper care.
2. Doris Cote’s Symptoms of Neglect
The family of Doris Cote noticed bed sores, extreme weight loss, and other symptoms that suggest she wasn’t being well cared for at her nursing home. They moved her to another facility, where she unfortunately passed away from pneumonia a few months later.
It was determined that the nursing home wasn’t responsible for Cote’s death, but her family did receive compensation for the pain and suffering she went through.
What We Can Learn
From Cote’s case, we’re reminded that, even if mistreatment doesn’t result in the death of a resident, care facilities still need to be held responsible for the discomfort they caused. Families deserve the best nursing home abuse lawyer available, and they deserve peace and justice when their loved ones are harmed, no matter the exact consequences of improper care.
3. Employees’ Distracted Video
Three employees at a care facility were called in to watch a resident who had just suffered a stroke while they waited for the hospice nurse to arrive. Instead of keeping an eye on the resident, the employees recorded a Snapchat video mocking her condition, laughing, yelling, and vaping. The resident passed away a few days later.
All three employees were charged with exploitation and intimidation of disabled adults, but it was debated whether or not their actions directly affected the resident’s death. They were eventually released on bond.
What We Can Learn
This case is a good example of the different forms nursing home abuse can take. Physical abuse and neglect are absolutely unacceptable, and emotional and mental mistreatment, as seen in the video, are often forgotten—but equally horrifying. These situations show the importance of instating necessary procedures and taking action to prevent abuse in all forms.
4. Leona Milne’s False DNR
Leona Milne was staying at a health and rehab center as she recovered from surgery when she began to have difficulty breathing. The staff called Milne’s brother, who asked them to take her to the hospital. They responded that they couldn’t because Milne had signed a “do not resuscitate” order. However, Milne had a mental disability that made it impossible for her to have legally signed a DNR.
Sadly, Milne died shortly after the incident. The best nursing home abuse lawyers at Prieto, Marigliano, Holbert & Prieto found that the DNR order was fraudulent and that there were over 100 similar forms for other residents. The case was settled in favor of Milne’s family, who received significant compensation for their loss.
What We Can Learn
This is another shocking case that shows the different kinds of abuse and illegal actions that can occur in nursing homes. It reminds us to be aware of any sort of mistreatment of elders and that we need to seek restitution for all forms of abuse with help from the best nursing home abuse lawyers the area has to offer.
Find the Best Support for Your Loved Ones with PMHP
Finding yourself in the middle of a nursing home case is an emotionally exhausting experience, and it’s truly saddening to know that loved ones and other residents are not being taken care of. You should have the best nursing home abuse lawyer, like PMHP, who cares about you, your family, and your case, and who has experience helping families receive the compensation and peace they deserve. If you suspect your loved one has experienced any kind of nursing home abuse, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help.