The Envoy nursing home facility—which is located in Staunton, Virginia—has run into legal trouble, yet again, amidst allegations that the administrative staff had failed to report a sexual assault that happened on the premises. The facility initially came under investigation when administrators at Envoy alleged that one of the nursing home's staff members, Anthony M. Johnson, had molested various elderly residents. According to Staunton police, however, only two incidents had been reported when at least one additional assault that had taken place. Following Johnson's eventual arrest, police then turned their attention to the administrative members of the nursing home.
Upon investigation, it was discovered that various member of Envoy's administration had attempted to cover up a sexual assault that happened between Johnson and a resident that had suffered a traumatic brain injury. According to reports of the incident, the man was spotted leaving the resident's room after attempting to force her to perform oral sex on him. When a nurse therapist saw him leave the room, she then saw how visibly upset the elderly woman was, and reported the incident to her supervisors. After a quick meeting, however, the accusations were dismissed by the administrative members of the facility. As a result, police are holding two administrators responsible for failing to report a civil charge, including Robert T. Lawrence and Diane R. Kline.
Nursing home abuse is a growing problem across the United States, but if the incidents are not properly reported, there is no way to help the victims. Whether an elderly victim is forced to endure sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, or financial abuse, it is important that the incidents are handled correctly by the individuals that are responsible for their safety.
If you or a loved one has become the victim of nursing home abuse and/or negligence, do not hesitate to take the appropriate action. Compensation may be in order for the harm that you have been forced to suffer, so contact the Lanier Law Group, P.A. today and discuss the circumstances of your case with an experienced lawyer from our firm.