Family claims 87-year-old loved one sexually assaulted at Lawrence nursing home
Lawrence attorney William Skepnek has filed a civil lawsuit on behalf of the Allen family. They claim their 87-year-old loved one was sexually assaulted in late October 2010, at the hands of a Brandon Woods nursing aid.
The lawsuit further alleges that people at various levels of authority at the nursing home worked to cover up the crime from the woman's family, medical professionals and police.
Days after the alleged sexual assault, Jean Allen was reportedly taken to the hospital. The elderly woman has since passed away.
According to the complaint, "the examination by LMH physicians and nurses who have been trained and specialized in detecting signs of sexual abuse or molestation found lacerations and abrasions that they reported had left 'no doubt' Jean had been sexually assaulted."
The complaint adds, "the person who committed the crime has never been apprehended or punished."
The lawsuit indicates, "the LMH sexual abuse examination did not discover genetic material that could help determine the method of the sexual abuse, or the identity of the person who had committed the crime."
Brandon Woods officials are fighting back, offering the following statement.
"Because Brandon Woods at Alvamar is steadfastly committed to providing quality retirement living and elder care to the seniors of Lawrence and Douglas county, we are confident that the judicial process will show that all of our residents, including the resident mentioned in the lawsuit, were at all times given state-of-the-art care that protected their health and safety." Executive Director Jeffrey Merritt adds, "we will defend this lawsuit with strenuous challenges to the allegations as framed by the plaintiffs' attorney. Our challenges will be presented in court."
A court date has not yet been set.