Failure to Protect Resident from Physical Abuse by Another Resident
Penalty
Summary
A resident with severe cognitive impairment, major depression, and significant physical care needs was physically abused by another resident who entered the victim's room and struck them multiple times with a telephone. The incident resulted in visible injuries, including bruising and lacerations to the face, mouth, and hand, as well as swelling of the left thumb and index finger. The injured resident was on a blood thinner and was alert and oriented at the time of the event. The attack was unprovoked, and the resident reported not recognizing the assailant. Staff became aware of the incident when they heard the resident calling for help and observed the aggressor exiting the room. Immediate observations and interviews confirmed the sequence of events, and medical evaluation documented the extent of the injuries. Facility documentation and camera footage corroborated that staff responded after the resident called for help, but the abuse had already occurred. The facility's policies require residents to be free from abuse, but in this case, the resident was not protected from physical harm inflicted by another resident.