February 3, 2011 – Sevierville, TN – According to the Tennessee news website WHNT 19 News, two former nursing home staff members have been sentenced to 2 years in prison for taking nude photographs and videos of residents at Pigeon Forge Care and Rehabilitation Center. At a hearing in the case, Mary Ann Burgess, 52, and April Longmire, 37, who were once certified nursing assistants at the elderly care center, pled guilty to health care abuse. During their employment, Burgess and Longmire cared for disabled adults at the Pigeon Forge Care and Rehabilitation Center, some of whom suffered from dementia. The nude photographs were discovered on Longmire’s lost phone when it was returned to nursing home employees. The prosecutor in the case alleged that the former nursing assistants took the photographs for their own pleasure and excitement.
As a result of the hearing, Burgess and Longmire were told to report to the Sevier County Jail by February 19. Their attorney asserted that because the two showed remorse for their behavior, they should be released on probation. If someone you love has suffered from any form of nursing home abuse, you may be eligible for damages in a nursing abuse claim. To file a nursing abuse claim in New York, or anywhere within the U.S., you can seek the help of an experienced nursing home abuse lawyer.
Contacting a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
Abuse of the elderly and disabled is an egregious crime and the abusers should be held accountable for the damages they inflict. If your loved one has suffered injury because of a nursing home employee, you have certain legal rights to pursue compensation. Consulting with a nursing home abuse lawyer can help you better understand your rights, determine liability for your injuries, and decide if filing a nursing home abuse claim is right for you. At Gacovino Lake & Associates we have formed a dedicated network of nursing home abuse lawyers that serve clients nationwide. Our New York office serves residents of the 5 boroughs with their auto accident, medical malpractice, defective drug, premises liability, and Workers’ Compensation claims. For experienced help with your nursing home abuse claim, contact us today – 1-800-246-4878.
