The family of an 84-year-old woman plans to file a lawsuit at the Bexar County Courthouse following what appears to be a severe beating suffered by the woman at the Stonebrook Manor at Broadway in San Antonio. Police were called to investigate the reported assault in March. According to the police report, the victim had a knot on the back, left side of her head, bruising on the side of her face, and a swollen black eye.
The police state there were no witnesses present, and that the attending officer noted that the woman suffers from dementia and Alzheimer’s so she was not able to report how the injuries occurred. Officials at the nursing home say that the victim was injured in a fall, but family members believe someone punched her in the face and tried to choke her. Apparently, pictures taken by the woman’s daughter indicate bruises on the victim’s neck as well.
Tim Maloney, attorney for the family of the victim, told News 4 WOAI that it was obvious from the photographs what happened to the victim. He stated, “We’re looking at a woman who was assaulted and almost beaten to death. This is a woman who was beat severely.” The victim’s daughter took the pictures and then called police.
One person who was believed to work at the nursing home told police that the woman’s injuries could be the result of falling out of bed, which Maloney said was insulting. The victim has since been moved out of Stonebrook Manor nursing home, and the state confirms that there is an open investigation but won’t confirm that it is connected with this particular case.
A formal complaint is also being filed by News 4 WOAI who requested a copy of Stonebrook Manor’s most recent inspection report. By law, a nursing home is required to provide a copy to anyone who requests it. News 4 WOAI requested a copy of the inspection report, but the nursing home refused to provide a copy on site. According to the state, it is a violation of state and federal regulations to refuse to provide an inspection report when requested. The administrator at Stonebrook Manor at Broadway had no comment.
Assaults, abuse and neglect seem to be rising concerns in nursing homes across the nation today. As more and more stories of residents being beaten or neglected saturate the media, it concerns family members who have loved ones living in these facilities.
If you suspect that your elderly loved one is being mistreated, abused, beaten or neglected in an elderly care facility, contact a highly respected New York nursing home abuse and neglect attorney. Ensuring that you hire a respected and experienced personal injury lawyer in New York will help to obtain the settlement you deserve.
