Nursing home residents are often unable to protect themselves from abuse and neglect. Some patients are unable to tell someone about the abuse because of dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other mental and physical conditions.
At Minner Vines Injury Lawyers, PLLC, our Lexington nursing home abuse lawyers fight to hold parties accountable when they abuse nursing home residents, including committing sexual assault in nursing homes. Our attorneys have decades of combined experience. We have won over a billion dollars for our clients in judgments and settlements. Our Lexington, KY legal team makes your needs and best interests their top priority.
If your loved one is the victim of sexual assault in a nursing home, contact us for a free consultation.
How Our Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys Can Help With a Sexual Assault Injury Claim
Sexual assault occurs in nursing homes more often than we know. Unfortunately, unless family members or another staff person recognizes the signs of sexual assault, the perpetrator may get away with their actions. According to one source, sexual abuse may be the most hidden form of elder abuse.
At Minner Vines Injury Lawyers, PLLC, we fight to bring abusers to justice by holding them financially responsible for damages in civil court. When you hire our Lexington, Kentucky lawyers, you can trust we will:
- Thoroughly investigate the allegations of sexual assault in a nursing home
- Analyze the police reports and evidence collected by law enforcement agencies
- Gather independent evidence to build a civil case for liability
- Identify all parties responsible for the sexual assault in a nursing home
- Negotiate fair settlements
- Go to trial and fiercely argue the case before a jury
National organizations have recognized our Lexington nursing home abuse attorneys for their legal services. They have top ratings and awards from Martindale-Hubbell, Best Lawyers in America, LawDragon, The National Law Journal, Super Lawyers, and many more.
Contract Minner Vines Injury Lawyers, PLLC at (270) 517-2014 to schedule a free consultation today.
What Are the Signs of Sexual Assault in Kentucky Nursing Homes?
Sexual assault in a nursing home includes any form of unwanted sexual touching, including fondling, forced nudity, and taking sexually explicit pictures. The signs of sexual abuse in a nursing home include:
- Problems sitting and walking
- Blood stains on clothing or sheets
- Depression, anxiety, and agitation
- Bruising around the genitals or breasts
- Developing a sexually transmitted disease
- Itching, burning, or pain around the genitals
- Suicide attempts or attempts to harm oneself
- Torn undergarments and sheets
- Unexplained fractures or injuries to the pelvic or hips
- Emotional and/or social withdrawals
- Feelings of shame and embarrassment
- Refusing to look at or talk to staff members
If your loved one develops any symptoms or signs of abuse, contact the police immediately. Have your family member examined by an independent medical provider. If possible, do not leave your family member alone until the police have arrived and your family member is secured in a safe location.
What Damages Can I Recover for a Nursing Home Sexual Assault Injury Claim in Lexington, KY?
Sexual abuse is a crime in Kentucky. It is defined as unwanted sexual conduct. A person can be charged with a felony and sentenced to prison for a conviction of sexual assault.
In civil court, an abuser can be held liable for the damages caused by their intentional torts. Economic and non-economic for a sexual assault injury claim include:
- Payment of past and future medical bills related to the sexual assault
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Counseling and mental health therapy
- Costs of relocation to a safe facility
- Pain and suffering
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Diminished quality of life
In addition to compensatory damages, the court may award punitive damages. These damages “punish” the defendant for their wrongdoing. Kentucky law allows punitive damages when an injured party proves the defendant acted with malice, oppression, or fraud.
A monetary award for damages does not undo the impacts of sexual assault in a nursing home. However, the money can provide a safer facility and necessary care for your loved one.
Who Is Liable for Damages Caused by Nursing Home Sexual Assault Injuries?
The person committing the sexual assault can be held liable for damages. However, other parties may share liability. For example, if the nursing home was negligent in hiring or supervising the employee, it could be sued for damages.
Our attorneys identify all sources of compensation for damages to maximize recovery for your loved one. We also want to ensure we hold all at-fault parties accountable to help prevent further abuse in a nursing home.
Schedule a Free Consultation With One of Our Lexington Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers
Your loved one should not live in fear of being mistreated in a nursing home. If they have been neglected, abused, or assaulted, we want to help you hold the person responsible for the abuse accountable for their conduct. Call Minner Vines Injury Lawyers, PLLC, today to schedule a free case review with one of our Lexington nursing home abuse lawyers.