Back in August, I blogged on the horrible story from Albert Lea where nursing home residents had been abused by teenage employees. Basically, the employees were bored and they "entertained" themselves by doing horrid things to the residents.
This week, the Freeborn County Attorney went forward with formal charges. The adults were charged with fifth-degree assault, abuse of a vulnerable adult by a caregiver, abuse of a vulnerable adult with sexual contact, disorderly conduct and failing to report suspected maltreatment. All are gross misdemeanors, with a maximum penalty of a year in jail and a $3,000 fine for each count. Four others were charged in juvenile court with failure to report maltreatment. All were fired after the earlier report by the state Health Department. Recently, one of their fathers claimed they do have some defenses.
If you have a family member in a nursing home , it is important to look around on each visit. Be vigilante in certain areas. Look for signs of physical abuse, neglect, and verbal/emotional abuse. If you see signs of abuse:
- Contact the Nursing Home Administrator and tell them your concerns.
- Contact the Minnesota Board of Aging.
- Contact the police department in the municipality where the abuse occurred.
A founding partner with Bradshaw & Bryant, Mike Bryant has always fought to find justice for his clients—knowing that legal troubles, both personal injury and criminal, can be devastating for a family. Voted a Top 40 Personal Injury "Super Lawyer" multiple years, Mr. Bryant has also been voted one of the Top 100 Minnesota "Super Lawyers" four times.
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