Settlement Reached In Portsmouth Nursing Home Abuse Case

Unique Friends, LLC, a group home for mentally disabled adults located in Portsmouth, Virginia, recently entered into a settlement agreement for $150,000 with the family of Gloria Jean Watts following a civil complaint that was filed by her family last year. The complaint filed against the group nursing home facility alleged that Ms. Watts, a mentally disabled woman, had been locked in her room, beaten, denied access to bathroom facilities and denied food and water by the staff of the facility.

One local news source conducted interviews with the family of Ms. Watts and reported, “when they visited her in the facility, they found her bruised, dehydrated and unable to speak”. Court records indicate that the original suit that was filed against the nursing home facility last year had requested more than $5 million in damages. Following the lawsuit, the Commonwealth of Virginia revoked the facility’s license to operate.

Ms. Watt’s family became concerned about her health and wellbeing when they were allegedly told by the facility that Ms. Watts was not allowed to visit them on a holiday because of her behavior. It is important for friends and family members to regularly visit loved ones who have been placed in an assisted living facility, nursing home or who require the assistance of a home health aide or nurse. If you suspect that your friend or loved one is the victim of physical, financial or any other type of abuse, you should contact the Virginia Adult Protective Services Unit for assistance immediately.  You should also seek the advice and cousel of a local attorney who is experienced in protecting the rights of the elderly and the disabled.