Nursing Home Rape: Protect Your Loved One's Rights

    PHOENIX, AZ, January 08, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Very few actions are more abhorrent than the sexual abuse of a nursing home resident. Unfortunately, elderly people under the care of nursing homes are frequently easy targets for these crimes since they are often vulnerable and unable to defend themselves. If you believe your loved one has been the victim of nursing home rape, you must take immediate action to make sure your loved one's rights are protected.

Rape Committed by Nursing Home Staff
Even though nursing homes are required by federal law to conduct rigorous background checks of potential employees, sexual predators often slip through the screening process and receive jobs at nursing homes. In poorly run and understaffed homes, these individuals may be able to move about freely without fear of getting caught.

While there are obvious criminal consequences for a staff member who has raped a nursing home resident, there are also civil penalties that can be assessed against the nursing home. A nursing home abuse lawsuit can be filed against the facility for their negligent screening of potential employees.

These lawsuits are more than just a method for you to receive financial compensation for your damages; they are an important way to hold nursing homes accountable for their negligent practices so that other residents are not victims of similar crimes in the future.

Rape Committed by Other Residents
Many nursing homes will care for mentally ill patients as well as elderly people. It is important for the facility to take precautions when caring for mentally ill patients with a history of violence so that the safety of other residents is protected. Nursing home staff should also be trained on how to identify signs of sexual abuse, and they should conduct an investigation if they believe a rape has occurred.

If negligent supervision or understaffing results in the rape of your loved one, the nursing home may be held accountable for their actions.

What to Do if You Suspect Your Loved One is a Victim of Nursing Home Rape
It is important to notify the nursing home management immediately and file an official report if you suspect your loved one has been raped. You should also seek medical attention immediately.

Hopefully, the nursing home will investigate your claim and start gathering the necessary evidence. Unfortunately, many nursing homes will do the opposite, covering up any evidence that may indicate they have provided negligent care. Therefore, it is important to consult an experienced nursing home abuse attorney immediately who can investigate the incident and make sure your loved one's rights are protected.

If live in the Phoenix, Arizona area and need help with a nursing home abuse claim, please visit the website of Cullan & Cullan, M.D., J.D. today.

Website: http://www.stopnursinghomeabuse.org/

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