Nursing Home Put Profits Over Patient Care, Now Required to Pay $29 Million in Damages

Horizon West, a company operating 33 nursing homes, was found liable for delaying care the care of a 79-year-old woman who suffered a fractured hip and bed sore that led to her death. As a result, Horizon West will pay a $29 million in damages to the family of the elderly wrongful death victim.

During trial, it was revealed that Horizon West consistently understaffed their nursing homes and failed to provide adequate care to their patients. The woman who died due to Horizon West's neglect was not diagnosed and treated for her hip fracture for eight days. She eventually developed a bed sore, which was listed as the cause of death on her death certificate, according to lawyersusaonline.com.

The statistics on nursing home abuse and neglect are disturbing. Research indicates that more than one in ten elderly individuals may experience some type of abuse at a nursing home, but less than one in five cases are reported, according to the National Center for Elder Abuse. That means we don't know the full extent abuse and neglect in facilities across the country.

If you suspect your loved one is being neglected or physically abused at their nursing home facility, call 1-800-677-1116 for information from the U.S. Administration on Aging. In addition, review this site which has links to hotlines where you can report nursing home abuse to state officials and agencies.

You should also contact a nursing home abuse lawyer to discuss the situation your loved one is in and if filing a personal injury claim is appropriate. Contact us for a free case analysis at 1-800-752-0042.