Nursing Home Sexual Abuse
Nursing homes provide a vital service to the community. Many elders require medical care or services their family may be unable to provide. They are meant to provide a safe and comfortable home for our family members during their twilight years. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Studies have shown that not only have an estimated 10% of persons over the age of 60 experienced elder abuse, 24.3% of nursing home residents have experienced at least one instance of physical abuse while living in a nursing home.
Elders are often targeted due to their vulnerability, both physically and/or mentally. While nursing homes can provide peace of mind and freedom for the families of the elderly, they can also provide an isolated environment in which the family might not have any idea of what’s going on until it’s too late.
With over 69% of nursing homes being run as for-profit businesses, the suppression of stories can force survivors into the shadows and keep abusive systems running with little to no consequences for the abusers. If you or a loved one has experienced sexual abuse in a nursing home, whether by another resident or a staff member, contact us so that we can put the system on trial. We will get you the compensation you deserve and work to stop the nursing home from ever allowing such abuse to happen again.
Why Lamothe Law Firm?
The attorneys of Lamothe Law Firm have been fighting for the rights and justice of sexual abuse survivors for years. We know how devastating physical and sexual abuse can be
on both the survivors and their loved ones. We are passionate about helping those hurt to get back on their feet and bringing their abusers to justice.
What Counts as Nursing Home Sexual Abuse?
Sexual abuse is any unwanted sexual activity done with an elder who is unable to understand or consent, is threatened, or is physically forced to do so. Both men and women can be victims of such assault, just as both men and women can be perpetrators. Abuse can be committed by nursing home staff or fellow residents, either of which can be overlooked or ignored by the company managing the home.
Nursing Home Sexual Abuse Damages
The recoverable damages for victims of nursing home sexual abuse will never sufficiently heal the psychological and emotional wounds left by the abuser, but the financial compensation and peace of mind knowing the system has been confronted can help to relieve some of the financial and emotional burdens of the situation.
Recoverable damages for nursing home sexual abuse are both “special” and “general,” as they can be both expense related and related to the pain and suffering caused. Damages you or your loved one may be entitled to include:
- Compensation for physical pain
- Compensation for emotional pain
- Costs of medical treatment due to the abuse, and
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Due to the higher risk of suicide or early death of victims of elder abuse, families of the abused may be entitled to wrongful death damages.
Recognizing Nursing Home Sexual Abuse
It can often be difficult to recognize when a loved one is experiencing abuse. No one wants to believe that their family is suffering, and such accusations can be hard to make without solid evidence. Beyond that, it is suspected that only 1 in 14 cases of elder abuse get reported to the authorities. While you might recognize what is happening, your loved one may be unwilling to admit it or seek help.
If you are worried about a loved one, it is important to be able to see the signs of abuse and take action. Abuse can show itself in signs such as:
- Withdrawal from activities
- Unexplained bruises
- Uncharacteristic depression
- Pressure marks, and
- Unusually tense relationships
If any or multiple of these signs are present, confront your loved one in a calm manner in a safe space. This is a sensitive issue that needs to be treated with the empathy it requires.
Target the Institution
While it can be tempting to target the individual abuser, there is rarely any lasting impact for the survivor or the system that allowed the abuse to occur. Individual abusers rarely have the assets to cover survivor’s damages, and their individual punishment is unlikely to spark institutional change.
This is why we choose to target the institutions. For-profit nursing homes have the assets to cover survivor damages, and an experienced lawyer can give the case the strength it needs to influence system-wide change. Taking out an individual abuser will stop one person from hurting someone else; taking on the management that allowed them to abuse will stop anyone from being hurt in that system again. We work to help you help your community.
We Fight to Protect Our Elders
If you or a loved one has been the victim of nursing home sexual assault, please contact us. We can schedule a confidential meeting and discuss the damages you are owed and the best ways to protect other members of your community. Our lawyers are proud to stand by your side.
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