Most people in New Mexico would agree that jobs at a nursing home or assisted care facility has tasks and situations faced in few other occupations. However, residents at these facilities are often especially vulnerable to abuse or neglect making it necessary for all employees to be carefully screened and evaluated to ensure that they have the skills necessary to be effective caretakers. Unfortunately, failure to do so could result in injury, or even death, for some residents.
In fact, a man in another state recently pleaded guilty to a charge of second-degree battery related to the care of a resident in an assisted living facility. Reports indicate that the incident that led to the man’s arrest happened in July 2019. The 22-year-old is said to have been working as a resident care assistant at the time.
The attorney general claims that while working with a resident, he twisted the victim’s arm. The victim’s arm was broken as a result. The employee must pay a $1,000 fine and court fees in addition to being sentenced to 36 months of probation.
People who live in assisted living and nursing home facilities — and their families — put their trust into the employees tasked to ensure their needs are met. Often, their well-being depends on this care. Victims of abuse face not only physical harm but also the mental health consequences as well. While perpetrators of such abuse often face criminal charges in New Mexico, victims also have the option of filing a personal injury lawsuit against the facility. Taking such action can help ensure that other residents do not also fall victim to such treatment.
