Two Louisville, KY, Nursing Homes Shutdown Due To Neglect of Patients
August 2, 2023
Nursing home abuse is a heart-wrenching issue that affects many families in Kentucky as some of our most vulnerable citizens – the elderly – become victims of abuse, neglect and poor conditions. These are individuals who require special care and attention due to their age and often declining health. Unfortunately, some nursing homes fail to meet the necessary standards and regulations, leading to cases of abuse and neglect that can have deadly consequences for elderly patients.
Substantial Noncompliance with Medicare Rules and Regulations
Recently, two Louisville, KY nursing homes, Hillcreek Rehab and Care, and St. Matthews Care and Rehab Center, were found to be in substantial noncompliance with Medicare rules and regulations. As a result, they agreed to shut down and pay over $1 million in civil monetary penalties to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Multiple Louisville news outlets covered the story. WLKY reported surveyors found “rodents and rat droppings in rooms, a resident on the floor covered in urine and feces who ultimately died of hypothermia, and multiple residents left in soiled clothing.” According to WDRB, St. Matthews Care and Rehab Center “failed to protect residents from abuse, used blood glucometers on multiple patients without disinfecting them properly between uses, and failed to show that proper background checks had been performed on its employees with some having disqualifying events that proper background checks would have revealed.”
Findings That Lead to the Nursing Home Shutdowns
The decision to shut these two nursing homes down came after the Kentucky Division of Health Care conducted site visits from September 2022 to May 2023. The disturbing findings included instances of improper disinfection of medical equipment, neglect of residents leading to serious harm, infestations of rodents, improper medication management, and failure to protect residents from abuse. Such incidents highlight the urgent need for stronger advocacy and legal support for nursing home residents. In an agreement with the federal government, Hillcreek Rehab and Care will pay $636,752.75 in penalties and St. Matthews Care and Rehab Center $389,656.24 for Medicare and Medicaid. Both of these Louisville, KY nursing home facilities, owned by Medical Rehabilitation Centers based in Lexington, KY, were forced to shut down and no longer operate.
A Call for Justice and Support for Nursing Home Abuse Victims Who Can’t Protect Themselves
The closure of these two Louisville, KY, nursing homes and the penalties imposed are crucial steps in holding negligent facilities accountable for their actions. However, the battle against nursing home abuse does not end there. Families of victims need justice for their loved ones and must be compensated for the pain and suffering caused.
Nursing home abuse cases can be complex and emotionally challenging to navigate, especially when facing large healthcare corporations and insurance companies. This is where experienced and dedicated nursing home abuse attorneys at Hughes & Coleman Injury Lawyers can play a crucial role.
How Hughes & Coleman Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys Can Help Elderly Victims and Their Families
- Experience in Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Cases
- Hughes & Coleman has a dedicated team of experienced nursing home abuse lawyers handling nursing home abuse and neglect cases. Our Louisville personal injury lawyers understand the legal complexities involved and can guide victims and their families through the entire process.
- Compassionate and Personalized Representation:
- The attorneys at Hughes & Coleman approach each case with empathy and compassion. They listen to the victims and their families, understand their unique situations, and provide personalized legal representation.
- Investigation and Evidence Collection
- Building a strong case requires a thorough investigation and gathering of evidence. Hughes & Coleman attorneys work diligently to collect all relevant evidence to support their clients’ claims.
- Negotiation and Litigation Skills
- Whether through negotiations or in court, Hughes & Coleman attorneys are skilled advocates who fight for the rights of nursing home abuse victims and their families. They aim to secure fair compensation for their clients’ pain, suffering, and medical expenses.
- Seeking Justice and Accountability
- Attorneys with Hughes & Coleman believe in seeking justice not only for the individual victims but also in holding negligent nursing homes accountable. This dedication to accountability can help prevent future instances of abuse and neglect.
Signs of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
If you suspect that a loved one is being abused or neglected after being placed in a nursing home, look for the following common signs of abuse:
- Bedsores/pressure sores
- Broken bones
- Dehydration
- Malnutrition
- Injuries or bruises that are unexplained
- Poor living conditions
- Hygiene problems
- Malnutrition/dehydration
- Change in behavior or mood
- Weight loss
- Unusual and unexplained decline in health
- Missing money or personal items
- Improper medication administration
An experienced Louisville Kentucky personal injury attorney can help prove that abuse or neglect took place, but it’s important not to wait.
Protecting Your Loved Ones From Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
If you suspect your loved one has been a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, it is essential to act promptly. Reach out to an experienced Louisville nursing home abuse attorney for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options. You and your family deserve to know that your loved one is safe and receiving the care and respect they deserve.
Contact An Experienced Louisville Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Today
Nursing home abuse is a distressing and unacceptable reality that demands immediate action and legal support. The recent cases in Louisville, Kentucky, serve as a reminder of the importance of strong advocacy for the elderly in care facilities. With the help of dedicated and compassionate Louisville personal injury attorneys at Hughes & Coleman, victims and their families can seek justice, hold negligent facilities accountable, and make a difference in the fight against nursing home abuse.
However, if you wait too long after the neglect occurs, you may be unable to pursue legal action. Statutes of limitations prohibit lawsuits from being launched after a specified period of time has passed. A Louisville nursing home abuse attorney can assist you in meeting these deadlines.
If you believe that nursing home staff members have abused or neglected your family members, contact the experienced legal team at Hughes & Coleman today.
Call us at 800-800-4600 for a free case evaluation. Our team is available 24/7.
