A Verona, Wisconsin facility is being cited for assisted living neglect this week after the March death of an 83-year-old resident who was found outside the facility, dead from hypothermia.

According to reports, the Four Winds Lodge assisted living facility failed to put an alarm bracelet on Edna Biederman’s wrist before she left the building in the early morning hours on March 8. The alarm bracelet is used for residents who are prone to wandering and/or suffer from Alzheimer’s, dementia, or other cognitive problems. Biederman had Alzheimer’s and dementia. Per the Department of Health, Biederman had been showing signs of “exit-seeking” behavior several days before her death, yet nothing was done to prevent her from wandering.

The state of Wisconsin has fined Four Winds Lodge over $800 and gave them a citation for failing to provide the services needed for the resident. Lynn Howard, the administrator of Four Winds, defended the facility by stating that there are alarms on every door and a wireless nursing help call system in place. Yet, the staff still failed to do a 2-hour resident check on two different occasions the morning Biederman disappeared. Staff members saw her earlier in the week with boots on, claiming she was going home. They said she didn’t actually leave, but according to authorities, this should have been a warning, and an alarm bracelet should have been used immediately.

Staff members found Biederman at around 8 a.m. She was outside, close to the emergency exit area of the facility, wearing pink slippers, a flowered shirt, and pants. Although the death was ruled as accidental by the Dane County Medical Examiner’s Office, Four Winds is responsible for the negligent behavior that led up to Biederman’s death. The emergency exit alarm system only goes off if the person trying to leave is wearing an alarm bracelet.

Keep in mind that if you or a loved have been victims to assisted living abuse or neglect, an experienced attorney may be able to assist you. At McIver Brown Law Firm, our Texas assisted living abuse attorneys are here to answer any questions you have. Give us a call today for a free consultation.

Source:

http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/health_med_fit/assisted-living-facility-cited-in-resident-s-death/article_6bd9ae9c-a7b1-5350-89b7-dbae3d70da3a.html

Per reports, a male victim was living at the Hillcrest Terrace assisted living facility in Chisholm when the Minnesota Health Department (MHD) found him unconscious, lying in a filthy room in late April. According to MHD, local ambulance pulled the man out of the room filled with empty cans of food, several ashtrays, ash burns all over the carpet, and urine soaked all over a bed with no linens. MHD stated that the assisted living facility is responsible for the damages incurred.

Not only was the resident disabled, but he was also suffering from a urinary tract infection and extremely low blood sugar. However, staff members at the assisted living facility didn’t notice his condition nor did they notify the registered nurse on duty. Additionally, even though the resident has a history of low blood sugar, staff members failed to regularly monitor his blood sugar levels, even after an incident in which he was discovered to have a critical low blood sugar level.

Shortly after the ambulance found the victim, he was taken to a local hospital. After being treated, he was released and taken back to Hillside Terrace. However, according to reports, he was given a new, cleaner room. His condition has improved and he is reportedly being monitored frequently.

Meanwhile, Hillcrest Terrace has been cited for assisted living neglect. The facility faces penalties and fines from the state, and should the victim file civil charges, it may also be liable for civil damages.

Keep in mind that if you or your loved one have been victim to assisted living abuse and/or neglect, and experienced assisted living abuse attorney may be able to help you in achieving justice and seeking damages in your case. At McIver Brown law firm, our team of award-winning Texas assisted living abuse and neglect lawyers have helped numerous clients pursue justice and obtain recoveries in their case. For more information and for a free consultation, give us a call today.

Source:

http://www.northlandsnewscenter.com/news/iron-range/Neglect-Found-at-Chisholm-Assisted-Living-Facility–203614531.html

According to reports, Emma Robinson, 81, moved into the Applewood Rehabilitation Center back in November of 2011. She was previously living alone, however, after suffering from a stroke that left the left side of her body paralyzed, she moved into the nursing home shortly after.

Per court documents, staff members at Applewood were required to reposition the victim several times daily in order to prevent bed sores. Yet, in December of 2011, only one month after she was admitted to Applewood, she was taken to a local hospital. While there, physicians explain to her loved ones that not only did Robinson suffer from dehydration, but she was also in stage IV of pressure ulcers. In January of 2012, she died from her wounds.

Robinson’s family blames the nursing home for the untimely demise of their loved one. Per court documents, the family alleges that Robinson quickly deteriorated because of insufficient medical care by these nursing homes staff. They believe that if Robinson would have been moved more frequently, she would still be alive today.

Nursing home abuse leading to injuries including bed sores dehydration, malnutrition, and more, still remain a large problem in the United States. According to a study done by the Special Investigations Division of the House Government Reform, one out of every three elderly residents are abused in nursing homes nationwide. Many of these cases are overlooked because the residents were not actually harmed. However, they were placed in direct jeopardy for harm because of the negligence of the nursing homes. In other words, the potential for great harm and even death were there.

In other nursing homes, the physical abuse had already caused physical harm to residents after staff members reportedly slapped, kicked, punched, and scratched needy residents, typically those with dementia or Alzheimer’s. Unfortunately, these instances, according to the US Department of Health and Human Services, are on the rise.

Keep in mind that if your loved one have been victim to nursing home abuse and/or neglect, an experienced Texas nursing home abuse lawyer will be able to assist you. At McIver Brown law firm, our leading team of Texas nursing home abuse attorneys have helped numerous clients get the justice they deserve. For more information and for free consultation, give us a call today.

Sources:

http://southtownstar.suntimes.com/news/19938057-418/suit-woman-81-died-after-suffering-bed-sores-dehydration-at-matteson-nursing-home.html

http://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=92689&page=1#.UYqbtKdJPhI

According to reports, investigators have been looking into reported cases of abuse between residents at the Southern Pointe Living Center in Colbert. Reportedly, many of the staff workers at the nursing home failed to stop the abuse. In March of this year, Oklahoma’s state regulators investigated the facility after complaints of physical abuse between residents in the memory unit. Allegedly, two residents were physically harming other residents.

According to Dorya Huser, of the Oklahoma State Department of Long-Term Care, residents were hitting, scratching, and causing lacerations on their victims. However, Huser pointed out that patients with dementia and Alzheimer’s are hard to control and come with a high level of accountability. She went on to say that the staff members of the nursing home don’t have the proper protocols and are not trained on how to handle these residents.

However, the nursing home was cited for actual harm inside of nursing home, a Level H infraction. As a result, department officials have given the nursing home 10 days to make significant changes. A correction plan must be completed and submitted in time. So far, there has been no word if the nursing home has been in compliance. According to Oklahoma’s KTEN News, employees have declined to comment, but the Colbert Police Department is helping the investigation, along with the state.

Keep in mind that if your loved one have been victim to nursing home abuse, and experience nursing home abuse attorney may be able to assist you. Oklahoma nursing home abuse lawyers have helped numerous clients go on to win the damages they deserve. Give us a call today for a free consultation.

Source:

http://www.kten.com/story/22176512/state-looking-into-allegations-of-abuse-occuring-inside-colbert-nursing-home

According to reports, between August 2011 through August 2012, April Fairburn, a former employee of the Department of Health and Human Resources, and her boyfriend, Brandon Williams, allegedly not only exploited three incapacitated elderly adults, but also failed to provide proper care.

Per the indictment, all three victims were found dirty, neglected, and malnourished. In addition, investigators revealed that one of the residents had been wearing shoes what were too small, resulting in sores and blisters on her toes and feet. Another resident sustained a wrist injury from a dog bite, yet it was never treated.

Reports have also indicated that both Fairburn and Williams mishandled thousands of dollars that belonged to three of the residents.

Fairburn ran an adult nursing home for women out of her own home, and Williams worked as an employee. After the allegations, three residents were removed from the home and placed in alternative nursing homes in the area. According to an adult policy service specialist, Fairburn was taken off West Virginia’s state list of adult care providers.

In West Virginia, the adult care program is open to adults ages 65 and older who need daily living support. In some instances, the program provides services for younger adults with disabilities.

Both Fairburn and Williams pled not guilty to the allegations of nursing home neglect and abuse. They face three counts each of neglecting an incapacitated adult, one count each of financial exploitation, and one count each of conspiracy to neglect elderly adults. Williams and Fairburn are both free on bond while they await their upcoming trials.

If you or a loved one have been victim to nursing home neglect and/or abuse, keep in mind that an experienced nursing home abuse attorney may be able to assist you. At McIver Brown law firm, our leading team of Texas nursing home neglect attorneys have the experience and knowledge to help you have a successful chance in winning your case. Give us a call today for a free consultation.

Source: http://www.herald-dispatch.com/news/briefs/x1639488500/Two-face-trial-on-neglect-charges

According to reports, The Hillandale Assisted Living Facility, a home in which disabled people of all ages resided, was shut down on April 15 after the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) revoked its license. In 2011, the facility lost its medicare funding and had been operating without government funds. ACHS was hoping that the loss of medicare funds would close out the facility, yet three years later, it was still running, using alternative staffing money.

The Hillandale mainly housed disabled young adults who are unable to care for themselves physically and mentally. Staff members and others took advantage of the disabled residents by beating them, sexually assaulting them, locking them in dark closets, and restraining them.

In one particular incident, Orlando Baez, a 59-year-old staff worker at the facility, allegedly sexually assaulted a 26-year-old female resident. He also reportedly took pictures of the victim while naked and shared them. The case still remains open today.

The victim’s father, Harold Aponte, while happy that the facility closed down, feels it’s only a slight victory:

“By closing Hillandale down, a repeat offender is no longer a threat to our most vulnerable and, in many cases, helpless citizens. Unfortunately it took our daughter’s assault to make people listen,”

Aponte told the Associated Press (AP).

Other reasons for the facility’s final shutdown include a caregiver locking residents in a cage, using illegal restraints, and administering un-prescribed tranquilizers.

Not only was Hillandale closed down, but a fine of $20,000 was imposed. Most, however, feel that the fine was too small for such heinous crimes, as the fines alone would not be enough to cover all the damages that occurred at the hands of the staff members.

Keep in mind that if you or a loved one have suffered assisted living abuse, you have the legal right to seek damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and more. An experienced assisted living abuse attorney may be able to assist you. At McIver Brown, our leading Texas assisted living neglect lawyers have helped numerous clients go on to win the maximum financial compensation they deserve. Give us a call today for a free consultation.

Source:

http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/04/23/3360615_p2/state-orders-tampa-bay-area-facility.html

According to reports, Milton’s Golden Hill Health Center was fined $1,020 after inspections revealed that staff members failed to properly care for a resident. The resident, who needs braces for his lower back and legs, was found to have no care for skin monitoring, resulting in skin burns and wounds. There was also no care plan found in the patient’s records. Additionally, his braces and splints were not placed correctly.

The second nursing home, Shelton’s Bishop Wicke Health & Rehabilitation Center, was fined after failing to supervise a resident with a history of falling. In 2012, the resident fell twice at the nursing home, resulting in a hip fracture and several lacerations. As a result, the nursing home was fine $1,090. Additionally, the facility had loose bed railings, a potential risk for dangerous falls.

Danbury’s Pope John Paul II Care and Rehabilitation Center was also fined after inspectors found infractions. One resident suffered from a pressure ulcer on his thumb after his hand was improperly bandaged. The same resident has also endured physical pain and wounds after falling at the facility. The staff members were aware that the victim was prone to falls, yet didn’t properly monitor him. The facility was fined $1,090.

Keep in mind that if you or a loved one have been a victim of abuse leading to wounds, ulcers, and more, an experienced attorney may be able to assist you. At McIver Brown law firm, our leading Texas nursing home abuse attorneys have helped numerous clients win the financial compensation they’re entitled to. Give us a call today for a free consultation.

Source: http://www.ctpost.com/local/article/Three-nursing-homes-fined-for-care-lapses-4439098.php

According to reports, close to 1,000 patients of Dr. Scott W. Harrington have been tested for HIV and hepatitis b and c. Out of the nearly 1,000 patient, almost all of them have already shown up for testing.

The complaint and series of tests for the patients came after an investigation revealed that Dr. Harrington was using rusty and out-of-date dental tools on his patients. In addition, contaminated drug vials were located, and the machine used to sterilize dental tools in his office was not being properly used.

In a 17-count complaint filed by Susan Rogers of the Oklahoma Board of Dentistry, Dr. Harrington and his staff were called a “menace to public health.” Rogers also said that along with a felony charge already in place, more charges may surface for Dr. Harrington.

“I did speak to the DA this morning and I’ve talked to other officials, and I can’t comment on those conversations, but there’s more to come,” Rogers told the Associated Press.

Dr. Harrington is currently facing one felony count of operating a dentistry practice without a license, and his staff is facing a felony count of helping another person violate the state’s dental act.

Dr. Harrington has been practicing dentistry for close to 36 years. Last year, however, he voluntarily gave up his license to practice. A hearing is set for April 19th to determine if his certification will be revoked. Court records indicate he was sued in 1994 for medical malpractice, and then again in 1997 for negligence.

If you or a loved one have been a victim of medical malpractice, it’s important to retain the legal assistance of an experienced medical malpractice attorney. At McIver Brown law firm, our experienced Texas medical malpractice lawyers have helped numerous clients obtain the financial compensation that they deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Source: http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/04/01/charges-possible-okla-dentist/2042755/

According to court reports, Alan Hager, 56, was hospitalized three times for excruciating gallbladder pain. His first admittance was on November 22, 2008 to the Brookwood Medical Center in Birmingham. He was released four days later on November 27. He began suffering severe pain again and was readmitted to the hospital. This time he stayed until December 5. Yet, Hager was still suffering from severe pain and was admitted again on December 9th. He remained at the hospital this time, and died there on Christmas Day, December 25.

Hager’s widow subsequently sued Dr. Daniel Mirelman and Birmingham Surgical, P.C. for the wrongful death of her late husband. According to the plaintiff’s attorney, Dr. Mirelman acted negligently by delaying Hager’s surgery for too long, which ultimately resulted in his untimely death.

“All of the doctors involved in Mr. Hager’s treatment and care determined on the very first day of this admission that Mr. Hager’s gallbladder needed to be removed. However, the surgeon Dr. Mirelman made the decision to wait on removing his gall bladder at that time,” the plaintiff’s attorney said.

In fact, Dr. Mirelman continued to delay the surgery on several occasion, yet offered no valid reasons, according to court reports. Mirelman countered by claiming that Hager passed away from cardiac arrest. However, the official autopsy and the death report states the cause of death was from severe inflammation, infection, and an infected gall bladder filled with pus.

The jury deliberated on April 11 and returned the verdict in favor of the victim’s widow.

Keep in mind that if you or a loved one have been a victim of medical malpractice in Texas, an experienced Texas medical malpractice attorney may be able to assist you. Our award-winning team of medical malpractice lawyers at McIver Brown Law Firm have helped numerous clients. Give us a call today for a free consultation.

Source: http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2013/04/jury_awards_3_million_to_widow.html

According to the Department of Elderly Affairs, 28-year-old Joshua Champlin and 50-year-old Merry-Belle Camplin were daily care providers to their 78-year-old family member. The abuse allegedly started back in August of 2011 and lasted at least a few months. In October of the same year, a concerned neighbor called police to report a concern about the health of the elderly victim.

According to the South Kingstown Police Department, they arrived to the victim’s home and it smelled of cat urine. In addition, flies were buzzing around open wounds on her body, she had human feces stuck to her legs, and was lying down, near death. She was immediately transferred to a local hospital and was put in intensive care. The doctor on duty was reportedly surprised the victim was still alive as she was covered was severe bedsores all over her body. She even had bedsores on her spine, which were covered with old bandages that had not been changed in days. Per the doctor on duty, she would have died within 48 hours if not found.

After an investigation and interviews, Joshua and Mary-Belle were determined to be the primary caregivers, working for $10 an hour to take care of the victim. Once police interviewed, they stated that the bedsores had been on the victim since August of 2011. They also both admitted to being the full time caretakers even though neither have any nursing home or elderly care training.

Last month, the pair was finally arraigned, on March 18. and charged with one count each of felony elderly abuse. Conferences for pre-trial have been scheduled for April 15 and 16.

If you or a loved one have been a victim of bed sores while under the care of a hospital, assisted living facility, or nursing home it’s imperative to seek legal assistance. At the law offices of McIver Brown, our leading Texas bedsore attorneys will fight to ensure your legal rights are honored and you get all the compensation you deserve. Give us a call today for a free consultation.

Source: http://narragansett.patch.com/articles/sk-pair-charged-with-elderly-abuse