Family Used Hidden Camera in Elder Abuse Case
Tennessee residents and people all across the United States want to make sure that their elderly loved ones are well taken care of when they have to be placed in a nursing home facility. Unfortunately, many nursing homes across the country suffered from being understaffed, improperly trained and overworked. These conditions can lead to nursing home abuse and elder abuse of many people’s family members and loved ones. If you suspect that your loved one may be suffering from nursing home or elder abuse, then you should talk to a Tennessee nursing home abuse lawyer right away. They will hear your case and make sure that you and your loved ones get the compensation they deserve.
In this case, Gloria Diaz had repeatedly discovered bruises on her eighty-seven year old mother, Modesta Alvarado, and had questioned the nursing home officials several times but nothing was done. Diaz then contacted the Department of Health and Senior Services who came to investigate in her mother’s room followed by the nursing home officials. When the official did not see any injuries that was the end of the investigation, according to Diaz. This led Diaz and her son to buy a hidden camera which could be hidden in clock radio and hide it in her mother’s room. On March 21, 2011, Diaz was shocked to see her mother being slapped and beaten by an aide at the nursing home, an aide who, according to Diaz said was “like a co-worker and friendly.”
The police reported that the video revealed Julia Galvan, a 59-year-old a resident of the nursing home, slapping Alvarado in the head then giving her two more severe blows on January 15th. Galvan is also seen taking off Alvarado’s oxygen mask. Alvarado had suffered from a stroke in the last year and could not defend herself. Alvarado was found dead by the nursing home staff less than twenty-four after the attack claims were made.
Unfortunately, cases similar to this one happen all too frequently in nursing homes across the country, including right here in Tennessee. If your loved one is in a nursing home and you suspect they might be suffering from nursing home or elder abuse, then we strongly recommend that you contact one of our experienced and compassionate Tennessee nursing home abuse attorneys immediately. We will hear your case and work with you and other medical professionals to make sure that you receive the compensation that is rightfully yours for your pain and suffering. Contact us online or call us at 800.705.2121 to set up a FREE consultation to discuss your legal options.
Author Bio
Jim Higgins, founder of the Higgins Firm, is a seasoned personal injury attorney with deep roots in Nashville, Tennessee. A 4th generation Nashvillian, Jim carries on the legal legacy of his father, a judge for over 30 years. After graduating from the University of Memphis School of Law, Jim’s career began on the other side of the courtroom, defending insurance companies and learning their tactics for minimizing settlements. However, he soon realized his true calling was fighting for the rights of the injured, and for the past several years, he has exclusively represented plaintiffs in personal injury cases.
Since then, his dedication and skill have earned him membership in the prestigious Million Dollar Advocates Forum, an organization limited to attorneys who have secured million and multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for their clients. Licensed to practice in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Georgia, Jim focuses on personal injury, product liability, medical malpractice, and workers’ compensation cases. His exceptional work has been recognized by his peers, earning him a spot on the Super Lawyers list from 2021 to 2024, a distinction awarded to only a select group of accomplished attorneys in each state.
