Many families in Texas have to rely on nursing homes to care for their elderly loved ones. Whether it is because they do not live near the patient or are unable to provide proper care themselves, they put their trust in professionals to keep their loved one safe from harm. If that care is inadequate it could result in serious injury to the patient, or even worse. This is what local law enforcement alleges in apparent example of nursing home negligence in which they say an employee assaulted a resident.
According to the local sheriff’s office, video footage of the accused worker shows her hitting the victim on the head multiple times. Police claim that the victim had bruising around her eye that appears to reflect the assault trauma. It is unclear how authorities obtained that footage, but the woman’s family are the ones who reported the alleged assault to police.
The facility suspended the accused employee after viewing the footage. Police arrested her soon afterwards on suspicion of vulnerable adult abuse. It is not clear what will happen next, though it is likely the employee will have to appear in criminal court to answer to these claims. There is no word on the current condition of the victim.
Even if this woman is found not guilty of the charge against her, the family of the victim could decide to file a civil claim on the basis of nursing home negligence. The facility is ultimately responsible for the care of patients and a civil suit could name an accused employee, the nursing home facility and any other entity deemed responsible. Families here in Texas who believe their loved ones may have been victims of nursing home abuse could speak to an attorney who can answer questions and offer guidance.