Appalling details of severe nursing home abuse surfaced during testimony in a criminal case involving nursing home worker Cesar Ulloa, who is accused of punching, striking and body-slamming frail, elderly residents. According to a news report in the Los Angeles Times, 21-year-old Ulloa faces seven counts of elder abuse and one count of torture and if convicted in the case, faces a possible life sentence. Prosecutors say Ulloa jumped on a 78-year-old woman's chest and body slammed her into bed as she struggled. The woman was apparently mute because of a brain condition and couldn't say anything.
Shocking Cases of Abuse
Prosecutors say Ulloa took pleasure in attacking the most vulnerable and helpless residents he could possibly find. The most shocking fact is that these alleged abuses occurred at the Silverado Senior Living nursing home, which is considered by many to be the four-star hotel of retirement homes. Relatives spend close to $70,000 a year to house their loved ones in this place.
This particular incident is only one of many nursing home abuse cases that point to a serious and recurring problem with an increasing number of nursing homes. According to the California Department of Justice, in a 12-month period between 2007 and 2008, there were 85 elder abuse convictions in California. A number of nursing home abuse and negligence cases go unreported or even undetected because a number of these patients cannot talk or suffer from dementia. So, many of them aren't even aware that they are being abused. Tragic!
Putting Profits Ahead of People
During the course of this criminal trial, prosecutors say they are finding out about problems at Silverado, which very likely exist in most other California nursing homes. For example, low-level caregivers such as Ulloa barely receive any training and get paid about $10 an hour. It is amazing that no one saw Ulloa abuse these residents. Did this nursing home deliberately keep its facility understaffed in order to generate more profits?
My heart goes out to the nursing home residents and their families who were affected by these horrific incidents. It is important for victims and their families to realize that they do have legal rights. Victims would be well-advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer who has successfully handled nursing home abuse and elder abuse cases. These unscrupulous businesses must be held criminally and financially responsible for the serious injuries and severe emotional distress they have caused to vulnerable residents.
The BISNAR|CHASE personal injury law firm is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.
SLS Consulting