Nursing Home Abuse Happens Online, Too
Nursing home abuse takes on many forms. Many people first think of physical abuse, but emotional, psychological, and sexual abuse also occur. This type of abuse does not always remain within a nursing home, either. Sadly, too many nursing home staff members take advantage of the people in their care and sometimes, the abuse involves social media. Today, it has become more common for nursing home staff members to take pictures of residents in distress, or completely or partially undressed. The pictures are then posted online.
Nursing home staff members are expected to treat the residents in their care with dignity and respect at all times. When they violate the rights of the elderly, families can file a claim against staff members and administrators to recover compensation for the injuries and losses sustained. Below, our Tampa sexual abuse attorney explains more.
What Kind of Nursing Home Abuse is Shown on Social Media?
A report issued in 2015 identified 35 instances in which nursing home workers posted photos or videos of elderly individuals to various social media channels. In the photos and videos, the residents were either completely or partially undressed. Although the issue has been brought to light, it does not mean that the practice has stopped. Additionally, even though only 35 incidents were identified, there are likely thousands more that happen every year.
Posting pictures of nursing home residents online in this manner is not only degrading for elderly individuals, but it is also against the law. Families of victims can file a claim against the offending party to recover compensation for emotional distress and other losses suffered by the resident.
Who Can You Hold Liable for Sexual Abuse?
Unlawfully posting pictures of nursing home residents online can be considered a criminal act, particularly if the images are sexual in nature. While criminal charges will hold defendants responsible, they will not do anything to help families recover the compensation victims deserve. If your loved one has been humiliated in this manner you can file a claim against the individual person who shared the posts, the nursing home, or both.
All nursing home staff members have a legal duty to care for residents and to protect their well-being, dignity, and respect at all times. When they fail to do this, they can be held liable for paying full compensation.
Nursing home administrators and owners can also be held liable for the actions of their employees. These individuals are responsible for making sure they are only hiring staff members who are competent and do not have a prior criminal record. When they fail in this regard, nursing home owners and administrators can be held liable for paying damages. Nursing home administrators and owners can also be held vicariously liable for any negligent act their employees engage in.
Our Emotional Abuse Attorney in Tampa Can Help Your Family
If your loved one has suffered harm at the hands of their caregiver, our Tampa sexual abuse attorney at Kohn Law can help. We know the devastation this type of abuse causes and we will work tirelessly to make things right for your family. Call us now at 813-428-8504 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
Sources:
propublica.org/article/inappropriate-social-media-posts-by-nursing-home-workers-detailed
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0400-0499/0400/0400.html
