Two teenage girls, 19-year-old Brianna Broitzman and 18-year-old Ashton Larson, have been charged with nursing home abuse. The girls have been accused of taunting, spitting on, and groping the breasts and genitals of residents suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.
The two girls have been charged with assault, abuse of a vulnerable adult by a caregiver, abuse of a vulnerable adult with sexual contact, disorderly conduct, and failing to report suspected maltreatment. These criminal charges are all gross misdemeanors. If convicted, Broitzman and Larson will most likely receive suspended jail sentences and probation.
The girls worked part-time as aides at a Minnesota nursing home. The criminal complaint alleges that the two teenagers would laugh as they spit in the mouths of residents. They also allegedly poked, grabbed, and mocked residents until they would scream.
Four other teenagers have been charged with failing to report an incident of abuse. There are two other teens who are reportedly involved, but charges have not been filed against them as of yet.
It is likely that Broitzman and Larson will also face a personal injury lawsuit for their actions as well. If found guilty, they will be required to compensate the abused residents for their damages.
There is a shocking amount of nursing home abuse and neglect in our country. Most of it stems from facilities being understaffed. However, there are also an alarming number of incidents similar to this one, where aides working at nursing homes bully, abuse, and molest residents who are unable to defend themselves.
It is important to contact an experienced nursing home abuse lawyer immediately if you have a loved one who is a victim of nursing home abuse. If you or a family member are a victim of nursing home abuse in the Chicago, Illinois area, please contact the law offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. today to schedule an initial consultation.
