Shocking Nursing Home Abuse Case

We would not usually bring you a case so far from our coverage area, but this story has gripped the nation recently and it highlights some things we have been discussing for a while.

When a woman in an Arizona long-term care facility went into labor on December 29, the nursing home staff present did not even know she was pregnant. She has been at the Hacienda HealthCare Facility since she was three, having been incapacitated the entire time. According to the family, “She does not speak but has some ability to move her limbs, head and neck.”

After she gave birth, police ordered DNA tests of many staff members at the facility and it was not long until they had a match. Nathan Sutherland, a 36-year-old licensed practical nurse, was arrested and charged with one count of sexual assault and one count of vulnerable adult abuse. He has worked at the facility since 2011 and was one of the nurses responsible for the woman’s care.

At The Weitz Firm, LLC, we know that this is a shocking story for most people. We also know that things like this happen more often than people realize. If you need a Philadelphia nursing home abuse attorney, call us today so we can help your loved one.

Nursing Homes

There are many nursing homes in and around Pittsburgh. They are necessary to care for our aging population. Elder abuse inside of these homes can take place in many forms:

• Physical Abuse – this can include things like striking, hitting, slapping, shoving, choking, or more. This also includes sexual abuse. In most instances of physical and sexual abuse, nursing home residents have no way to defend themselves. Sometimes, they cannot even call for help.
• Negligence – nursing home staff are required to provide for the basic needs of all their residents. This includes things like food, water, shelter, medications, wound care, bathing, etc.
• Financial abuse – the staff of nursing homes often have access to their resident’s finances and this leaves the elderly vulnerable to theft and identity fraud.
• Insurance Fraud – all too often, the management of a nursing home will bill a person’s insurance for procedures, care, and material they do not use or provide.

People With Disabilities

Like the story from Arizona, many people are in long-term care facilities because they need care around the clock. They can become victims of the same abuses that the elderly face inside of nursing homes.

What You Can Do

We know that this is not something you ever expected to be dealing with. This is not an easy time and we want to make sure you and your loved one are treated compassionately. At The Weitz Firm, LLC, you can trust that our qualified and experienced team will work to secure the compensation you need to make sure your family member is taken care of. This includes:

• Pain and suffering damages
• Coverage of medical expenses
• Punitive damages

When you need a Philadelphia nursing home abuse attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling 267-587-6240.