Officials Investigate Michigan Nursing Home Abuse Cases
Elder abuse and nursing home abuse is a national issue that affects millions of adults every year. Most recent statistics indicate that there are about 52 million people over 65-years-old in the United States. A startling 1 in 10 of these individuals suffer some form of elder abuse. In an effort to address this harrowing problem, Attorney General Nessel announced that agents would be making unannounced visits to facilities to monitor Michigan nursing home abuse cases. While elder abuse can occur in various situations, it often happens in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. These instances can involve physical abuse, emotional abuse, financial exploitation, and sexual assault.
Officials are consulting with the Sentinel Project to determine the nursing homes that will receive an unannounced visit. The Sentinel Project is a non-profit that works with communities to address mass atrocities throughout the world. The Project will review prior complaints, performance reports, and other data to determine which nursing homes to prioritize.
Michigan nursing homes are often subject to review under Michigan’s Licensing and Regulatory Affairs branch. However, this initiative differs in that it will primarily investigate criminal activity and not licensing issues. The Attorney General’s office stated that they believe this program will address and eliminate substandard and abusive care of one of the state’s most vulnerable populations.
The team stated that besides the statute of limitations, nothing would prevent them from investigating past abuses, including abuse related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Those who have experienced the effects of nursing home abuse should contact an experienced attorney to ensure that they meet the applicable statute of limitations to bring their claim. The statutes of limitation may vary depending on the type of abuse the victim suffered. Generally, there is a two-year statute of limitations for medical negligence claims and a three-year limit for general negligence claims. However, certain situations may warrant an extension of these limits. The extension tends to apply in cases involving unlicensed facilities, victim competence, and sexual abuse.
The investigation is especially critical as Michigan braces for the “Silver Tsunami” of growing seniors moving into nursing facilities in the next few decades. Despite additional oversight, it is essential that families who believe their loved one is experiencing abuse or neglect contact an attorney to discuss their rights and remedies.
Has Your Loved One Experienced Nursing Home Abuse?
If you or someone you know has experienced nursing home abuse or neglect in Michigan, contact the Neumann Law Group. The attorneys at our office are committed to justice for our clients who suffered injuries or abuse at the hands of nursing home staff members. Our law firm handles Michigan personal injury cases stemming from medical negligence, motor vehicle accidents, premises liability, defective products and more. We have helped countless individuals and families recover the compensation they deserve. The Neumann Law Group has over 200 years of combined experience successfully representing Michigan injury victims. Contact our office at 800-525-6386 for a free and confidential initial consultation. Calling is free, and we will not bill you for our services unless we are successful in recovering compensation in your case.
