Nursing Home Faces Manslaughter Charges

Chrissie Cole

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If Julia McCauley,74, had been wearing the monitoring bracelet prescribed by her doctor, authorities believe the elderly resident of Life Care Center would not have plummeted to her death down a stairwell on April 17, 2004.

Life Care Centers of America was indited with criminal manslaughter charges due to the workers at the Acton Life Care Center acting recklessly by not making sure the woman was properly monitored. convicted the corporation can face up to $16,000 in fines and could also lose its license and Medicaid funding. The accident is described as "wanton and wreckless" behavior by the staff that failed to ensure she was safe and wearing the medical device that could have saved her life.

In 1999, she was found unattended in her wheelchair in the foyer of the facility, according to state officials. At the time, personnel were so concerned about her safety, and the possibility that she could be an elopement risk, a doctor ordered McCauley to wear a WanderGaurd bracelet that would set off an alarm and lock doors of the facility if she approached them.

The doctor's order required that the nursing staff check McCauley's bracelet once a day to ensure it was being used and that it was functioning.

If you are a loved one has suffered from nursing home abuse or neglect, you can use the form on the right to contact one of our lawyers for a free consultation.