Elder Law

Investigation Shows Hidden Abuse & Neglect At Nursing Homes

By Levin & Perconti

The Seattle Times conducted a troubling new investigation which explained the hidden problems of neglect and abuse that go unreported at many nursing homes.

For example, 68 year old Audree Hopkins was a resident at a facility for only 6 months before a lit cigarette ignited her oxygen tank. As a result of the explosion, Audree?s face was painfully seared. Both of her earlobes were burned off as was the end of her nose. Hopkins was partially blind and was unable to lit a cigarette herself, and it is suspected that a nursing home employee actually lit the cigarette that led to the explosion.

Shockingly, following the tragic accident, nursing home officials attempted to cover-up the incident. When police detectives tried to investigate the incident they discovered that nearly all evidence related to the accident have been destroyed only five days after it occurred. In fact, when first questioned all nursing home employees claimed that Audree was not smoking or hooked up to an oxygen tank at the time. It wasn?t until forensic evident on the melted wheelchair and oxygen tank was returned that authorities were able to conclusively determine the cause of the accident.

It now appears as if nursing home employees had jointly concocted a cover-up story in an attempt to hide the truth.

These cover-ups are not rare. The problem is so severe, that an investigation in that single state alone revealed that an astounding 357 nursing facilities had hidden evidence of abuse or neglect, even those involving death. From forging medical records and threatening residents to lying to investigators, many staff members are willing to do whatever it takes to brush over nursing home mistakes and hide the truth.

Our Chicago nursing home lawyers at Levin & Perconti are committed to both vindicating the rights of the abused as well as exposing the often hidden problems of neglect at these facilities. Every effort needs to be made to ensure that these vulnerable residents remain safe and that nursing home administrators are held accountable for their attempts to cover up the errors.

Please Click Here to read more about the troubling cover-ups of nursing home abuse.

Full post as published by Illinois Nursing Home Abuse Blog on September 13, 2010 (boomark / email).