Representing Abused Residents and Their Families
Of all the types of abuse and neglect that occur in nursing homes, sexual abuse is probably the most shocking. The sexual assault of elders in nursing homes can have a devastating impact on both the people who have been abused and their families.
I'm James H. Bell, an attorney with more than 30 years of trial experience, and I am devoted to helping clients hold nursing homes accountable for sexual abuse committed by their employees. Based in Kansas City, I serve clients in Missouri and Kansas.
If you are concerned that your parent or other loved one may have been abused, don't hesitate to contact me. You will pay no fees unless I help you recover money damages.
Identifying the Causes and Effects of Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse generally occurs in nursing homes when employees take advantage of their access, behind closed doors, to residents who may have Alzheimer's or other medical problems that limit their ability to react and communicate.
Sexual abuse of nursing home residents can be difficult to detect. I am experienced at working with experts to identify cases where residents have been abused.
Retaining a lawyer to bring a claim against the nursing home where your loved one was abused can help you get answers about the incident, hold the responsible parties accountable, and prevent similar abuse from happening to others in the future.
Making Nursing Homes Take Responsibility
While the person directly at fault for sexual abuse of a nursing home resident is the abuser, nursing homes also have substantial responsibility when it comes to protecting their residents and identifying risk factors for sexual abuse. Among their responsibilities are the following:
- Screen prospective employees for histories of sexual abuse and other abusive behavior.
- Keep an eye out for suspicious signs such as bruising and bedclothes in disarray.
- Limit circumstances where employees are left alone with residents.
Nursing homes that fail to take these steps can often be held accountable for sexual abuse committed by their employees or on their premises. To learn more about your options for pursuing compensation for sexual abuse in a nursing home, contact me today.
