When you report nursing home sexual abuse, there will be two stages of the investigation process – a criminal investigation and the civil discovery process.
Criminal Charges & Investigation
The police will complete a report and may arrest the person who is suspected of abusing the resident. A typical criminal investigation involves state-employed officers who specialize in finding forensic evidence and taking statements from witnesses.
They have a lot of power to obtain information quickly with a warrant. However, they are looking for criminal wrongdoing. They are not looking for negligence, which is essential in a civil case.
Civil Discovery Process
A civil personal injury case can be brought against the perpetrator, nursing home, and others for negligence. Their breach of duty to the resident can make them liable for damages. When a nursing home sexual abuse civil lawsuit is filed, your attorney will engage in the discovery process.
Discovery involves obtaining company records, deposing witnesses, and getting information from all parties involved. This process can take much longer than a criminal investigation.