New Mexico readers may be interested to learn that a Washington nursing home is being sued by the family of a disabled woman who was allegedly raped multiple times by one of the facility’s employees. The crimes were captured by a hidden camera.
Earlier in 2019, the victim told her family that she was being sexually abused at the Foss Home and Village in North Seattle. As a result, her brother placed a hidden camera in her room and captured video of a nursing assistant raping her. The suspect, a 29-year-old male, was arrested and charged with second-degree rape. He remains in jail.
According to the lawsuit, the nursing home displayed gross negligence and placed the victim in danger by failing to ensure she was “monitored and properly supervised.” In addition, the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services investigated the facility and fined it $3,000 for failing to protect the victim. The Seattle Police Department is reportedly investigating another sexual assault case at the facility involving a 93-year-old female resident. DSHS reports that sexual abuse cases account for 3% of all elder abuse claims filed in the state.
Common signs of nursing home abuse include unexplained bruises or sores, sudden personality changes, neglected hygiene or clothing, missing personal belongings and withdrawal from family and friends. Family members who observe these signs in loved ones might want to contact an attorney for advice. After reviewing the details of the case, the attorney might recommend filing a personal injury lawsuit against the nursing home and other responsible parties. This might lead to a settlement that compensates the victim for medical expenses, pain and suffering, mental anguish and other related damages.