Iowa Nursing Home Resident Who Was Found Soaked in Blood Dies

A nurse aide working at a Williamsburg, Iowa long-term care facility discovered a female resident soaked in blood on June 2, 2023 at approximately 9:45 p.m. She was lying on the floor of her room and saying she was in pain “all over” her body. The aide who discovered her described the scene as an unforgettable and traumatic sight.

The aide described the horrific scene, saying she saw blood on the woman’s hands, legs, in her hair and on the left side of her head. She said it was difficult to determine where the blood was coming from because there was so much of it.

Facility staff allegedly checked the female resident for neurological signs before washing her off and putting her back into bed for the night. They did not contact the woman’s doctor or her family, and they did not give her any medication for the pain.

The aide reportedly told inspectors that the woman lay in her bed, curled up in a fetal position. She described the woman as “shaking really badly.”

Although the woman was finally transported to a nearby hospital ER, she did not recover from her injuries. The woman died 10 days later.

Fines Assessed Against Highland Ridge

The Iowa Capital Dispatch reports that, following an inspection of this incident, the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing assessed $9,000 against Highland Ridge Care Center, where the fall occurred, for failing to provide pain management. They assessed a further $9,000 fine against the facility for failing to do any assessment of the woman or her injuries, as well as $8,000 for failing to protect residents at the facility from neglect and/or abuse.

These fines are currently being held in suspension. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is considering whether they will impose additional federal penalties against Highland Ridge

Highland Ridge Currently Holds a Five-Star Quality Rating

Highland Ridge, a 59-bed facility, currently holds a five-star rating, the highest rating you can have under CMS’ rating schedule.

The last fine assessed against the facility was issued in 2013.

Contact PKSD if You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect

At PKSD, we are deeply committed to advocating for injured nursing home residents who are unable to protect or defend themselves. We are tenacious in our pursuit of justice for these vulnerable individuals, and we work tirelessly to hold at-parties accountable for their actions.

Call our law offices today or anytime, night or day. We offer a free case review, and our nursing home abuse lawyers are prepared to discuss your situation. We accept cases in Iowa, Wisconsin and New Mexico.

Your initial case review is completely free. If we represent you, there are no upfront costs or fees to pay.

Experienced. Compassionate. Lawyers. Call: 414-333-3333