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A certified nursing assistant has been arrested and charged with sexually assaulting a partially paralyzed patient at Lawrence Street Health Care Center, a Tomball-area assisted living facility. Mark Countryman has been charged with aggravated sexual assault.
The victim, a woman in her 60s, told investigators that Countryman was helping her wash in the shower on January 17 when he made a comment about dreaming of her being a good kisser. According to court documents, Countryman then leaned in toward her in an apparent attempt to kiss her, but she turned her head away. The woman told police that Countryman then sexually assaulted her. She also told investigators that Countryman told her not to tell anyone because he would get in trouble.
Police interviewed Countryman the next week. He said that it was possible he touched her private parts while washing her and admitted to telling her that he had a dream about her. However, he claimed that she asked him if he was a good kiss her.
Countryman has been fired from Lawrence Street Health Care since these allegations came to light. He is being held in jail on a $50,000 bond.
Attorney contributor Anjali Nigam has a long track record of helping survivors of sexual violence find justice. We've asked him to share some insight on the legal options available to those who have been sexually assaulted in nursing homes and assisted living facilities:
Nursing homes are a necessity for many American families. When our loved ones find themselves in a position where they're unable to care for themselves, it's often necessary to find a comfortable assisted living facility where they can get the care they need. But unfortunately, these nursing homes do not always provide the standard of care their residents deserve. And tragically, there have been many reported cases of the sexual abuse of residents by assisted living facility employees.
When residents of an assisted living facility are abused - whether sexually, physically, or emotionally - it's important for the victims and their families to be aware of their legal rights. Many cases of abuse in these facilities are due to negligence on the part of the facility. In cases which involve negligence (such as failing to run a background check before hiring a new employee), the victims and their families may have grounds for a lawsuit.
Have you or a loved one been sexually assaulted in an assisted living facility or nursing home? Our experienced sexual assault survivors attorneys understand how painful this time is for your family and we want to help you find justice. Get in touch with us today to learn more about your legal options in a free consultation.
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