Care facilities in New Mexico and across the country are responsible for the treatment and safety of countless individuals at any given time. Unfortunately, patients do not always receive the treatment they deserve and, in some cases, are abused instead. Nursing home abuse is a serious issue that is far too common and can cause severe harm to a person’s health, or worse.
A health agency in another state has recently launched an investigation into an incident that led to the death of an elderly woman. According to reports, a certified nursing assistant was involved in physical contact with the woman, causing her to suffer a broken leg in the process. She was rushed to the hospital shortly after and passed away during an emergency surgical procedure.
The assistant has been arrested and is reportedly facing criminal charges in relation to the event. Elderly patients generally have little means with which to protect themselves from such abuse, and they often suffer as a result. In similar scenarios, the facility is responsible for the safety of its patients, and it might also be accountable for the actions of employees.
Nursing home abuse can have a devastating impact on a victim. Losing a loved one under these circumstances can be difficult to accept. Families who experience such a tragedy often choose to seek compensation through the civil justice system, but the process can be complex. When facing a similar situation, a family in New Mexico could speak with an experienced attorney for advice and assistance in filing a claim against the party or parties deemed culpable for their loss.
Source: times-herald.com, “State agency probes nursing home death“, June 8, 2017