Nursing home abuse is a major concern for many Tennesseans with loved ones living in long-term care facilities. Some studies show as many as 33 percent of all individuals over age 65 will be the victims of abuse or neglect, and other reports state as few as one in 23 cases of nursing home abuse are reported.
One of the most disturbing statistics out there is that a majority of nursing home abuse cases involve a person who isn’t a caregiver. This means the person doing the harm is a family member, another resident, or an acquaintance.
WSMV 4 News recently reported on the case of an 82-year-old Korean War veteran who was seriously injured after being attacked by a roommate at a nursing home in Putnam County. A nurse at Signature Healthcare Nursing Home heard a commotion in the victim’s room and entered to find the victim’s roommate repeatedly hitting him in the face with a glass soda bottle. The victim suffered serious injuries, including a broken nose and cheekbone, as well as serious bruising.
The family of the victim says they were informed that the new roommate could have violent outbursts, but were assured their loved one would be safe from harm.
If your loved one is the victim of nursing home abuse, you have legal rights. At Ponce Law, our Nashville personal injury lawyers are always standing by to speak with you about any questions you may have regarding your loved one’s care. Feel free to call us anytime at 615-244-4321 to discuss your case.