Nursing home and assisted-living neglect is a serious and deeply troubling issue in America today. According to the Nursing Home Abuse Center, 95% of all residents reported neglect in 2018.
At Isenberg and Hewitt, we represent elderly and disabled residents of these facilities who are victims of mistreatment. Recently, we successfully litigated a wrongful death suit for the family of one victim. The surviving family was awarded a $10.4 million judgment for their loss.
The specifics of the Cheatham County, Georgia case
Our client’s daughter tragically drowned in a bathtub in an assisted-living facility that required 24/7 monitoring by at least two staff members. This individual was vulnerable and should never have been left alone. We proved that the care facility had a responsibility to monitor her and assist her with this daily hygiene task.
What happened to our client’s family is devastating. While the judgment will never replace the loved one our client lost, this case is a victory in the fight to secure better care in these facilities.
The responsibilities of assisted-living facilities
The trust between families and assisted-living facilities is fragile. It can be scary to consider placing a vulnerable family member in a facility of this kind because neglect is so common. Whether that neglect is due to lack of staff or inadequate training and procedures, it is simply unacceptable.
These facilities are providing a much-needed service to older and disabled Americans, and they have a responsibility to provide the care they promise. If you suspect your family member is a victim of neglect or abuse, they have rights-and they need you to fight for them.