Nursing Home Neglect Lawyers: CNAs Took Unauthorized Photo of Resident

There are many excellent nursing home and long term care facility workers. Unfortunately, the bad ones overshadow the good ones with the abusive and neglectful treatment that they give the elderly residents they are supposed to care for. As nursing home neglect lawyers, we hear all different types of abuse ranging from the horrible cases that end in serious injury and even death to cases where the staff takes advantage of their power or the vulnerable elderly residents through inappropriate behavior.

CNAs Shared Cellphone Photo of Resident with Other Staff Members

nursing home neglect lawyers in NJ and PAThe Colonial Hills Nursing Center in Tennessee has undergone an investigation after two certified nursing assistants took an unauthorized photo on a cell phone of a resident and then forwarded the photo to “an undisclosed number of staff members” and one of the CNA’s teenage daughter. On July 22, the shoulders-up, fully clothed photo was taken after a clean brief fell on the resident’s head. They took the photo because they found the incident “humorous” and “endearing.” The picture was said to be blurry and the resident was not clearly identifiable. Both CNAs were fired and the facility was fined $6,000 from the state and $4,550 a day from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services until the violations are corrected. According to the report, the incident was “a violation of dignity” and the facility failed to protect the resident, enforce policies against employees using cellphones in patient areas and taking photos in the home, and to properly investigate the incident. The state suspended admissions to the nursing home after inspections found more violations. The facility submitted a plan for correcting their problems and the state lifted the suspension.

Nursing Home Neglect Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If your loved one is currently a resident of a nursing home or care facility, pay attention to the quality of the nursing staff. If you are worried that the care they are receiving is negligent, abusive, or inadequate, contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation. You may also call for a free consultation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.

Elder Abuse Lawyers: Caretaker Steals from 100-Year-Old Grandmother

Caretakers have an incredibly hard job taking care of the elderly on a daily basis. Often trusting a stranger feels too risky so someone close to the patient volunteers to take the role of caretaker. Even though most people want to believe that their loved ones wouldn’t take advantage of an elderly person’s vulnerable state, it happens every day. Elder abuse lawyers see situations all of the time where someone sees an opportunity to make some easy money from their elderly relative who in their mind doesn’t need the money anymore. No matter what the situation, this is still theft and elder abuse and should never be tolerated.

Granddaughter Gets Arrested for Exploiting and Stealing from Elderly Relative

elder abuse lawyers in NJ and PA52-year-old Lynda S. Hutcheson is being accused of stealing almost $12,000 from her 100-year-old grandmother’s bank accounts in just a few months. She is being charged with grand theft, 39 counts of criminal use of personal identification and exploitation of the elderly. Hutcheson moved in with her mother and grandmother in April and started stealing from her within weeks. After a July 20 incident at Score Credit Union bank where she withdrew funds without authorization, an investigation looked into Hutcheson. They discovered that Hutcheson would drive the victim on daily errands to pick things up for her and used her grandmother’s credit cards. She would also get a large amount of money out of the bank, buy small items for her grandmother and then save the rest of the money for herself. The bank contacted the victim’s family when the account was overdrawn and the situation became so bad that the missing money was originally reported by Hutcheson’s mother.

Elder Abuse Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If your loved one is currently being taken advantage of financially or physically, or they are a resident of a nursing home and you are worried that the care they are receiving is negligent, abusive, or inadequate, contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation. You may also call for a free consultation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.

Nursing Home Neglect and Medication Errors Lead to $3,000 Fine

nursing home neglect in NJ and PAThe Regency Heights of Danielson nursing home facility in Connecticut is facing a $3,000 fine after multiple cases of nursing home neglect were discovered. The facility was cited by the Department of Public Health on August 18th because, according to the report, several nurses at the facility were not giving all of the prescribed medications to the residents. The director of nurses was notified of the problem in July and an internal investigation from the facility was conducted. They found at least 18 cases where the residents, including those who suffered from heart failure, hypertension, and seizures, were not given their medications. They initially found that one licensed practical nurse was withholding medication from a diabetic patient. She was suspended and then fired. The director of nurses then performed a full audit of all medication carts and concluded that “multiple other nurses had also not administered all medications as prescribed.”

The most alarming of the cases was one diabetic patient was not given 72 doses of Glucophage over seven months. Glucophage is a medication that helps control the glucose in the blood. Luckily,  none of the patients died or were seriously harmed as a result of the medicinal neglect. All of the residents were evaluated medically and the nursing home re-trained the entire staff on administering medication.

The Importance of Medication for the Elderly

Neglecting to administer medications to the elderly and disabled residents of nursing homes can have fatal consequences. By the time someone must depend on a nursing home to provide necessary care, their health is quite fragile. Medications are incredibly important to maintain a comfortable quality of life and to correct the health problems that come with old age.

Some residents are capable of medicating themselves, however a large number of residents need staff assistance to stay on top of a treatment schedule. When residents are new to a facility, the staff is not yet familiar with their medications, so as nursing home neglect attorneys, we strongly encourage communicating the needs of your loved ones when starting in a new facility in order to prevent this type of nursing home neglect.

Nursing Home Neglect Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If your loved one is currently a resident of a nursing home or care facility and you are worried that they are not receiving their medication, or that the care they are receiving is negligent, abusive, or inadequate, contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation. You may also call for a free consultation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.

Elder Abuse Lawyers: Update on Woman Who Escaped Abusive Caretakers

A few months ago our elder abuse lawyers wrote a blog on an Arizona woman who escaped from her abusive caretakers. Ruthann Jacox, a 64-year-old woman who suffered from multiple sclerosis and has been bedridden for two years, was under the care of Lea Marie Hughes and her boyfriend Gilbert Pierre Peralta Jr. When a visitor came to the home Jacox asked them to take a picture of her back, which was covered in bedsores down to the bone, when she saw this she begged to be taken to the hospital. The police began to investigate the situation and discovered that Hughes limited Jacox’s liquid to one and a half quarts and only fed her between 700 and 1,000 calories a day. Jacox kept a journal of all of the abuse she suffered under their care.

Peralta Tells Media that Authorities Have the Story Wrong

elder abuse lawyers in NJ and PAUnfortunately, even though she was away from her abusers and getting the medical attention that she needed, Jacox died at the Tucson Medical Center on November 8, 2011. Authorities are now saying that the couple also cleared the woman’s bank accounts and credit cards. But Peralta is saying that the stories about what happened to Jacox are not true. He says that both Hughes and himself loved Jacox as if she was family and did not abuse or neglect her. He said he cannot speak for the 12 to 15 hours a day he spent at work and cannot comment on her diet, but he used to make her egg sandwiches in the morning until she told him that she preferred that Hughes care for her. He did notice the weight loss but assumed that it was a result of the multiple sclerosis. He says that he was the one that saw the sores on her back and made the decision to go to the hospital. “I seen the wound and I said ‘Get the wheelchair. We’re going to take her in (to the hospital) right now,” Peralta said. He then wheeled Jacox to the car and Hughes drove her to the hospital while he stayed home with Hughes’ kids. He also said that they never stole from Jacox, she would give him $40 or $60 for gas money occasionally but he says he always paid her back. He also claims that Hughes would give him Jacox’s ATM card and tell him to withdraw money, but that they were given permission and he always gave the card back. “It was nothing damaging like they’re trying to say…Ruthann was my best friend. I took care of her as much as I could,” Peralta said.

Elder Abuse Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If your loved one is currently under the care of an individual or they are a resident of a nursing home or care facility and you are worried that the care they are receiving is negligent, abusive, or inadequate and you would like to speak with one of our elder abuse lawyers, contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation. You may also call for a free consultation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.

Elder Abuse Lawyers Warn About Scams on the Elderly

The elderly are an extremely vulnerable population, both physically and mentally in some cases. That is why they are so often targeted for physical, emotional and financial abuse. As elder abuse lawyers, we want to warn you about the dangers plaguing the aging population. If you have a loved one that you feel is too trusting with their savings or access to their home or personal documents, then you need to warn them about the dangers of trusting strangers. There are many con men out there that will prey on the elderly and convince them that they are there to help, but are really robbing them of their entire life savings.

Woman Sentenced to 11 Years in Prison for Multiple Scams on the Elderly

elder abuse lawyers in NJ and PADenise D’Sant- Angelo, 56, was sentenced to 11 years in California state prison after stealing thousands of dollars from the elderly. On June 8, 2010 she was found guilty of grand theft and sentenced to two years in prison for stealing $2,800 from local donors who were raising money for three nuns from the Sisters of Bethany Convent in Santa Barbara who had been evicted from their residence in 2007. While out on bail in 2008, she was arrested again and charged with six counts of felony financial elder abuse, six counts of felony grand theft, and one count of misdemeanor unlawful practice of law after she conned an elderly couple out of $20,000 after convincing them she would help them keep their home after threat of foreclosure. At the August 22, 2011 sentencing, Denise D’Sant- Angelo got 11 years in prison for her crimes. District Attorney Brian Cota said “She gave them hope they could keep their house when she only intended to keep their money.”

Elder Abuse Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If your loved one is currently being taken advantage of financially, or they are a resident of a nursing home or care facility and you are worried that the care they are receiving is negligent, abusive, or inadequate, contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation. You may also call for a free consultation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.

Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers Caution on Nursing Home Cover Ups

Nursing homes and long-term care facilities are legally obligated to report incidents of nursing home abuse and neglect; however, they often go unreported or covered up. We strongly encourage that if you have a loved one in a nursing home, that you visit often and pay close attention to any warning signs. It is then your responsibility to report these issues for their safety to the facility, the state or a nursing home abuse lawyer.

Nursing Home’s Explanation of Injuries Doesn’t Match Hospital Findings

nursing home abuse lawyers in NJ and PAA 70 year old woman who was a resident of the University Place Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Charlotte, North Carolina was rushed to the Carolinas Medical Center University on the morning of Sunday, August 29, 2011 with a big bruise on her face and a broken pelvis. When the family asked the nursing home what caused the injuries, they told her that the elderly woman had fallen, but emergency room staff at the hospital said that the injuries were not consistent with a fall. This led the family to believe the woman had been assaulted and the police and Department of Social Services, which handles allegations of elder abuse, to investigate what really happened to the woman. The University Place Nursing and Rehabilitation Center only ranked one out of five stars by the state and has had some minor violations in the past. It is too early in the investigation to determine what really happened to the woman, if she fell or was assaulted.

Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If you have witnessed your loved one or any nursing home resident being abused, or you fear that the care they are receiving may be considered negligent or abusive, you probably have a lot of questions and concerns. Contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation. You may also call for a free consultation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.

Medical Malpractice Lawyers Win $2.5 Million

A jury awarded Amy Garcia, 29, and her medical malpractice lawyers
$2.5 million in her lawsuit against St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan. In 2007, Garcia suffered a miscarriage and lost her 14-week fetus. Dr. Norman Gove, an obstetrician and gynecologist, told Garcia she needed a dilation and curettage procedure. He told her it was a routine procedure and she would “be home by lunch.” “I was assured by the doctor that the procedure would be quick and that I would be out quickly,” said Garcia.

Unsupervised Resident’s Mistake Causes Permanent Damage

medical malpractice lawyers in NJ and PA Unknown to Garcia, a resident physician performed the procedure and dilated Garcia’s cervix and the uterus was then perforated. Dr. Gove did not properly supervise the resident. When ring forceps were inserted through the perforated uterus in order to remove the fetal remains, he grabbed a piece of bowel that snapped back. As a result of the mistake Garcia’s rectum and bowel were torn. Garcia then required an Ileostomy, where they created an opening on the surface of her skin to pass intestinal waste that is collected in a bag worn outside of her body. She wore this bag for three months after the procedure. She lost part of her bowl and rectum and still suffers from pain, scarring, and altered bowl patterns.

When asked if she knew a resident was going to perform the procedure, Garcia said:

“When the procedure was taking place I was only aware of Dr. Gove performing it. I was shocked to discover the resident had taken over after the procedure had taken place…I definitely now give more thought to the term ‘routine procedure’ and I urge anyone to think twice when being told the same. I know resident doctors need to learn, but when I have a choice I don’t think I would ever let another one perform any type of procedure on me after what happened.”

Medical Malpractice Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If you or a family member have recently been the victim of medical negligence, it is possible that you would like to speak with our medical malpractice attorneys. Please contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation, or call for a free consultation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or 215-567-2380 in Philadelphia.

Elder Abuse Lawyers: Family Faces Jail Time After Mother’s Death

It is always heartbreaking to hear a story about an elderly adult being neglected and abused by a family member. As elder abuse lawyers, we want to remind you to look out for the signs and not to be afraid to intervene if a family member is not providing enough care for an elderly relative. The family of an 83-year-old woman is facing serious charges of elder abuse after their neglect landed the bedridden woman in the hospital.

Mary Jane Baker was admitted to the Peninsula Regional Medical Center in January 2010 where she reportedly weighed only 60 pounds and was “malnourished, neglected, and suffered from multiple sores from her shoulders down to her feet.” She stayed in the hospital for a week before being moved to a nursing home, only to return to the hospital on March 3, 2010 where she died six days later.

Several Relatives Convicted in Elder Abuse Case

elder abuse lawyers in NJ and PABaker’s 63-year-old daughter, Sherry Lynn Mundy, has been convicted of severe neglect and sentenced to three years in prison. Judge Kathleen Beckstead suspended all but a year and a day of the Mundy’s sentence, which she will serve in state prison. According to prosecutor Joel Todd, “The fact that she imposed Division of Corrections time as opposed to local time should be a big deterrent to anyone else who might be thinking about a neglecting a vulnerable adult.” Mundy is also required to serve three years of supervised probation and is banned from being a caregiver for a vulnerable adult or anyone older than 65 years old.

Baker’s other daughter, 56-year-old Amy Jane Davis, was convicted of similar charges and sentenced to five years in prison with all but 30 days suspended. Davis only lived in the home with the victim for 6 months, “That certainly mitigated the amount of time Ms. Davis was going to get,” Todd said. Baker’s husband, 85-year-old George Wilbur Baker, and granddaughter, 27-year-old Michelle Lynn Hundley, have also been charged and are still awaiting their sentencing hearings.

Elder Abuse Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If your loved one is currently under the care of an individual or care facility and you have witnessed them being abused, you have noticed strange bruises, scratches or sores, or you fear that the care they are receiving may be considered negligent or abusive, our professional elder abuse lawyers can address your questions and concerns. Contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation. You may also call for a free consultation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.

Elder Abuse Lawyers: Woman Pleads Guilty to Abusing Her Mother

It seems that lately, we are writing more and more about the elderly being neglected and abused by their adult children. As the economy worsens, less people can afford to go into a nursing home or long term care facility and find themselves depending on family members for essential, life sustaining care. But caring for an elderly adult is a huge responsibility and requires a commitment that not everyone is able to follow through with. It is unfortunate that our elder abuse lawyers see so many of these cases and have to warn the elderly to look out for signs of abuse and neglect from their own children.

Woman Waited a Week after Her Mother Died to Call for Help

elder abuse lawyers in NJ and PA On November 19, 2010, Nancy Byrd Lewis, 59, called 911 to report that her 79-year-old mother, Hazel Tolbert Byrd, was unresponsive. When the paramedics arrived at the house where the two women lived, they found Byrd lying in bed covered in several days worth of feces, urine, and maggots from her waist to her feet. The State Medical Examiner’s Office performed an autopsy and determined that Byrd had been dead for at least a week before the 911 call was made. The autopsy also said that she was filthy, had matted hair and several skin ulcers. This led to an investigation where officials found that in 2005 Byrd suffered a stroke and moved in with Lewis, who took the role of her mother’s caretaker. The elderly woman also suffered from high blood pressure and diabetes, but did not take any of her medications nor had she visited a doctor since being released from the hospital.

Lewis was arrested in March 2010 and charged with domestic abuse, neglect, and exploitation of disabled or elder adults. She recently pled guilty to felony elder abuse, was sentenced to eight months of probation and 100 hours of community service, ordered to pay court costs, and cannot work at a day care of retirement facility.

Elder Abuse Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If your loved one is currently under the care of an individual or they are a resident of a nursing home or care facility and you are worried that the care they are receiving is negligent, abusive, or inadequate and you would like to speak with one of our elder abuse lawyers, Contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation. You may also call for a free consultation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.

Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers: Update on Michigan Maggot Case

nursing home abuse lawyers in NJ and PALast month, our nursing home abuse lawyers wrote about a facility in Ann Arbor, Michigan where maggots were found in a patient’s catheter. The staff of the Whitehall Healthcare Center of Ann Arbor was told to document the incident as “debridement,” which is a term that means dead tissue, not maggots. Now, three former employees of the facility have sued the home and parent company, claiming that they were fired for reporting the abuse. The state came to the home after one of the former certified nursing aides filed a complaint due to a patient fall. When the investigators were visiting the facility, all three of the aides told them about the maggots. Nikenda Morton, Wanda Mosley and Latasha Bryant are seeking relief under the state’s Whistleblower Protection Act, asking for a jury trial and seeking unspecified compensatory damages for economic injury, including loss of employment, mental and emotional distress, humiliation, all attorney fees and court costs.

State Investigation Uncovers More Problems in Facility

According to the lawsuit that was filed on November 22, the nursing home also suspended and eventually fired two nursing assistants, a nurse, and a nurse manager in order to prevent them from participating in the investigation. They also tried to hide a resident’s fall and injuries that resulted from the resident’s family and state officials by telling Morton to not write a report on the incident. Despite their efforts, the investigation was completed and the state found that the Whitehall Healthcare Center failed to

provide appropriate hygiene and catheter care to a resident whose vaginal area became infested with maggots: failed to supervise two residents in wheelchairs, both of whom were injured as a result; failed to provide a sanitary, comfortable and orderly interior; failed to adequately monitor the fluid intake and output for a patient who became dehydrated; failed to maintain complete staff personnel files and complete required certification, license and background checks.”

According to state officials, these problems have all since been corrected.

Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If your loved one is a resident at a nursing home or long term care facility and you believe that the care they are receiving is negligent or inadequate, contact our professionals for a free case evaluation or consultation. Contact the Mininno Law Office by phone at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.