Woman Ordered Never To Provide Health Care Services Again In Nursing Home Abuse Case

On April 11, 2013, a Texas woman faced the charges of extreme nursing home abuse and neglect that were brought against her in court in Corpus Christi, Texas.

The woman owned Affordable Quality Care Assisted Living and the neighboring Adult Loving Care day care center in Flour Bluff in Corpus Christi. The abuses were discovered in 2011 when investigators found that Griffin’s facilities were in violation of state laws regarding abuse and neglect. The investigation uncovered instances of egregious neglect, and verbal and physical abuse. In some cases the neglect left the residents in weakened and diminished physical states.

Investigators also discovered that at the home residents had been forced to wear plastic bags around their necks containing soiled diapers containing their own urine and feces. They would be left like this for days at a time. An employee discovered this and reported the incident. The employee reported that the owner had said that “clients needed to learn not to soil themselves and that’s why the bags were placed around their necks.” Additionally, in 2009, she was observed force feeding one resident during mealtime. When the man choked, she refused to call 911 or provide medical treatment. Employees had to jump into action in order to save the man when he began to turn blue. They called for an ambulance and tried to resuscitate him.

At the day care center, which was located next door, similar instances of abuse and neglect occurred as well. Residents who needed help getting to the bathroom were forced to wait for long periods of time. And the owner was seen directly violating doctors’ orders regarding the care of several individuals.

Both the care facility and the day care center were subsequently shut down. Only 16 residents were still living in the homes at that time. They were able to stay in the homes and were taken care of by state staff until other living arrangements could be found. They were eventually all moved to other homes.

According to the Department of Aging and Disability Services there were 55 residents who had been subjected to these terrible abuses and neglect, jeopardizing their health and safety. The woman was made to promise that she would never attempt to operate another care facility ever again as a component of her settlement agreement with the state in 2012. She also paid $100,000 fine and was told never to provide health care services ever again to anyone other than family.

In addition to the possible prison time she faces, Griffin could face additional charges in court if victims and their families choose to retain a nursing home abuse attorney and file for civil damages.

St. Louis Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys

If you or a loved one has been the victim of nursing home neglect or abuse, contact an experienced St. Louis nursing home abuse attorney as soon as possible. When care facilities fail to provide quality care to residents or endanger their lives or their health, it is unacceptable and they need to be held responsible. A nursing home abuse attorney can help you to recover damages and get justice for your loved one.

Contact the Zevan and Davidson Law firm today for your free consultation.  We have the experience and desire to see that you and your family receive justice.

photo credit: ulrichkarlijoho