Nursing homes are supposed to be places where we send our loved ones so that they can receive the care and support they need when we are no longer able to provide it for them. In most cases, our loved ones are treated well, and their needs are met. However, in many other cases, they are neglected or abused, which often leads to death before the situation is discovered. When this happens, a serious lawsuit is often the outcome, as families try to come to terms with the horrifying events surrounding their loved ones’ deaths, and make sure those responsible are held accountable.
Genesis Healthcare Corp is one of the largest nursing home companies in the country. They have 411 facilities in 30 states, with a total of 49,000 beds. With a $4.68 billion operating revenue, this is one corporation that clearly understands a thing or two about growth. Unfortunately, they are also a prime example of how being the biggest doesn’t mean they are free from legal problems. This corporation has been hit with several neglect and abuse lawsuits in recent years. The following are just a few of them.
A resident in a Genesis facility in Kentucky sued the nursing home for physical and mental abuse and negligence. The patient, who is a ward of the state, had bruises on her back, neck, face and arms, as well as black eyes. As a result of her filing a complaint, Adult Protective Services, the Inspector General, and the state police all conducted their own investigations.
After the investigations, three former employees of the Genesis facility were indicted:
A man sued a Genesis facility in Charleston after his father died after being in the facility for a little over two months. In the lawsuit, the man alleged that his father suffered a broken bone and several infections, which ultimately contributed to his death only one month later. The suit alleges that the facility did not exercise reasonable care, and were operating the facility in a negligent manner.
The brother of a patient at a Fayette County Genesis Healthcare Corp facility filed a lawsuit against the location, citing abuse, neglect and mistreatment. The woman was a resident for just a little over one month, but suffered severe injuries that ultimately led to her death. The lawsuit also alleged that the resident did not receive adequate and proper healthcare during her stay in the facility.
These are a few of the cases of neglect and abuse that have been brought against various Genesis Healthcare Corp facilities. However, they are enough to illustrate the severe damage that can result when a nursing home allows neglect and abuse to go on in their facilities.
If you notice any unexplainable cuts, bruises, bedsores, or even sudden changes in your loved one’s health after admission to a nursing home, you should always make sure to report your concerns. If you know your loved one has suffered from neglect or abuse in a nursing home, contacting a lawyer is one of the most important first steps you can make. Not only will your actions hopefully prevent the same from happening to someone else, it will help your loved one receive the compensation he or she deserves.
Sources:
http://wvrecord.com/news/235859-man-blames-genesis-healthcare-for-fathers-death
http://www.bgdailynews.com/news/resident-sues-nursing-home/article_48eabc78-c8cb-5e82-b725-aab326d210dc.html
http://www.morgantowninjurylawfirm.com/Morgantown-Personal-Injury-Blog/2015/March/Genesis-Healthcare-Sued-for-Nursing-Home-Neglige.aspx