Disabled Child Suffers Nursing Abuse

A male nurse was recently charged in Pennsylvania with abusing a physically and mentally disabled 12-year-old boy. This case illustrates the need for sharp scrutiny to those who give care to society’s most vulnerable people.

According to the Lehighvalleylive.com news site, the child needed special in-house care. His conditions included developmental delays, cerebral palsy, cortical blindness, epilepsy, and osteoporosis. In early March 2012, he began withdrawing from his parents and exhibiting unusual behavior, such as curling into a fetal position. Because of his disabilities, the child was unable explain what was causing his behavior shifts, according to a prosecutor.

In response, the boy’s mother installed cameras in his room, and filmed a 45-year-old male nurse’s “rough handling” of the child. This caregiver later admitted he forced on the boy’s leg braces, even pounding on them with his fists. The prosecutor claimed that the caregiver made the boy lie for hours in a urine-soaked bed and rubbed soiled clothing in his face.

The caregiver worked in a New Jersey nursing home while these legal proceedings were ongoing. But after a judge ordered his employer be told about the allegations, he was fired. Although in September the caregiver had pleaded guilty, while at court earlier this month, he withdrew the plea. His lawyer stated the caregiver expected the guilty plea to cost him his nursing license.

This case demonstrates how nursing abuse is a real crime that can happen to anyone, not just the elderly. Nursing and nursing home abuse lawsuits can help victims of this crime get justice and financial compensation for suffering. If you or a loved one has been a victim of this type of negligence or abuse, call Sokolove Law today.

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