Lynn Umphreys Died In Springfield Attack At Hickory Point Terrace Group Home
Wrongful Death - February 27, 2022
Lynn Umphreys, of Forsyth, Killed In Hickory Point Terrace Group Home Attack In Springfield
MACON COUNTY, ILLINOIS (February 27, 2022) – A 58-year-old woman identified as Lynn Umphreys has tragically died in an attack at a Hickory Point Terrace group home.
Macon County police officials are saying that the accident took place in January. Lynn Umphreys was viciously attacked by a 40-year-old resident and sustained blunt force trauma to her head.
She was taken to a Springfield hospital in critical condition. Sadly, Lynn Umphreys died three weeks later on February 16. Police have arrested the 40-year-old assailant on three counts of attempted murder.
He is also accused of beating three other residents prior to his arrest.
Liability In Attacks At Hickory Point Terrace
Attacks at group homes may seem like an unusual occurrence, but they are actually alarmingly common. According to one report in the National Library of Medicine, “A random sample of 452 adults with elderly relatives, older than 65 years, and in nursing home care completed a telephone survey regarding elder abuse and neglect experienced by this elder family member in the care setting. Some 24.3% of respondents reported at least one incident of physical abuse by nursing home staff.” Abuse or assaults can come at the hands of staff or from other residents. There are a number of steps that can be taken to help protect residents.
- Residents and staff should be properly monitored.
- Assaults and other incidents should be reported and documented.
- Healthcare workers should be well trained in violence prevention.
Depending on the specific facts of any case, a group home could be liable if a resident is attacked while in their care. Group homes often take care of some of the most vulnerable people in our society. This includes the elderly and those with physical and intellectual disabilities. All group homes must provide residents with a reasonably safe environment. This includes protecting residents from criminal activity like assaults. In order to prevent assaults, the group home owners must make sure that there is adequate supervision and the staff to provide that supervision. There are a number of steps that should be taken after a group home attack.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- Records of the assailant should be looked at.
- Did the group home have reason to believe that the assailant may have been dangerous?
- A full history of all attacks at the group home should be examined.
The family of any victim that died in an assault may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Damages can help cover lost medical bills, lost wages, loss of love and funeral expenses. It is extremely important that evidence is properly preserved after any accident. An Illinois wrongful death attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating An Assault At Hickory Point Terrace
We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of Lynn Umphreys. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. This was a senseless tragedy that should have never taken place. There needs to be some accountability for the sake of all who have lost so much. It is our sincere hope that there is transparency about what led up to the fatal assault.
Do you need more information about a group home assault? Our team of personal injury attorneys are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into an assault we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.
