Oklahoma Nursing Home Worker Charged in Patient’s Death
A nursing home worker has been charged in Beckham County in connection with the death of a 76-year-old nursing home patient. According to a news report in the Daily Elk Citian, the incident occurred in April 2012 at the Bell Avenue Nursing Center in Elk City. Investigators determined that the elderly patient was injured during the transfer from a bed to a wheelchair and suffered life threatening injuries.
The 28-year-old woman who was caring for the resident at the time was charged with one count each of second degree felony murder-neglect by a caretaker, abuse by a caretaker, neglect by a caretaker, concealing a crime and conspiracy to compound or conceal a crime. Another 33-year-old employee has also been charged with one count each of concealing a crime and conspiracy to compound or conceal a crime.
Nursing home neglect and/or abuse is a serious problem in Oklahoma. It is a crime for nursing home employees and their supervisors to conceal neglect or abuse. It is the duty of a nursing home to responsibly hire and supervise their employees. Nursing homes are required to protect the elderly, vulnerable residents who are in their care from all types of harm, abuse and neglect.
If you suspect that your loved one is being abused or neglected in an Oklahoma nursing home, it is important that you report the incident or incidents to the authorities. If you have hidden camera evidence of the abuse, please do present it to the authorities. Your actions in these types of situations can help save lives and hold wrongdoers accountable. If your loved one has been abused or neglected in a care facility, please contact an experienced Oklahoma nursing home lawyer who will help protect your rights and best interests.