Across the country, cases of severe elder abuse and maltreatment by caregivers at nursing homes, assisted living facilities and by in-home care attendants have made the nightly news. According to the Administration on Aging's data obtained for 2008, Arizona had over 43,000 beds in nursing homes and board and care facilities. In the same year, Arizona's long-term care ombudsmen, the people responsible for keeping Arizona nursing homes and care facilities safe, received over 6,400 complaints related to nursing home care.

At Plattner Verderame, we have helped clients who have been isolated from society and family, who have conditions that make them vulnerable to abuse and neglect, and who have suffered abuse and neglect at the hands of paid caregivers. Here is just one example of the help we have been able to provide for our elderly clients.

Nursing Home Resident Was Victim of Sexual Abuse by Paid Caregiver

Our client was the victim of sexual abuse at the hands of a caregiver at his nursing home.

We know that sexual predators tend to seek out jobs in which they are placed in a position of power and authority over their victims. Because of the vulnerability of nursing home residents, nursing homes are an easy target for sexual predators. Some nursing home facilities choose not to complete backgrounds checks on job applicants.

Fortunately, our client was able to report the sexual abuse. After an investigation, Plattner Verderame obtained a substantial settlement for the victim. Our client was very afraid to remain living at the nursing home where the abuse occurred so one important part of the settlement was to get him out of the nursing home. Because of the amount of our recovery for the victim, he was able to choose a new nursing home and pay for it. He got the peace of mind he needed and the freedom from living where he had been sexually abused.

If your elderly loved one has suffered abuse or neglect in a nursing home, or even if you suspect abuse, please contact the experienced nursing home abuse attorneys at Plattner Verderame for help.