Mountville, PA - James Lee Zook, a Former Caretaker at Faith Friendship Villa, Charged with Sexually Assaulting a Resident

Assisted Living Caretaker Arrested for Sexually Assaulting Patient

According to Fox 43, a former caretaker is facing felony charges for sexually assaulting a patient in his care at Faith Friendship Villa located at 128 W Main St, Mountville, PA 17554. 

Lancaster authorities were contacted on August 14, 2022, after a mentally disabled patient confided in their parents that they had been abused at the assisted living facility. The abuse was said to have occurred in late 2021 or early 2022 and continued until August 2022. Caretaker James Lee Zook was arrested and is facing a felony count of institutional sexual assault and a misdemeanor count of indecent assault. 

Can I Sue if Sexually Assaulted at an Assisted Living Facility?

Attorney contributor Guy D'Andrea, an experienced nursing home abuse lawyer, defends sexual abuse victims and their families in Pennsylvania. He helps victims sexually assaulted at assisted living facilities get the justice they deserve. Recently, he provided some helpful information regarding when a victim can sue for being sexually abused by a caretaker at an assisted living facility.

"Nursing homes and assisted living facilities are trusted by families to ensure the wellbeing of their loved ones. This means keeping them safe from dangers such as abuse. Sadly, elder abuse and neglect are on the rise in assisted living facilities. Nursing home staff and residents have been accused of sexual abuse. These establishments have a legal responsibility to provide basic security to reduce the risk of such dangers. Background checks and room checks are just a couple of ways an assisted living facility can be minimize abuse. However, if they neglect their safety, they could be held liable for failing to maintain a duty of care."

"When a patient in a nursing home is sexually assaulted, the incident needs to be thoroughly investigated. In addition to criminal charges, victims and their families may be able to file a civil case against the nursing home for their negligent behavior. Abuse victims and their families can speak with an experienced elder abuse lawyer to discuss their legal options for compensation."

Sources:

Fox 43