Lawsuit Accuses Alabama Nursing Home of Sexual Abuse Cover-Up: A Shocking Case of Neglect and Silence

A deeply disturbing lawsuit has been filed against Arabella Health and Wellness Center in Grand Bay, Alabama, alleging that the nursing home failed to protect a vulnerable resident from sexual abuse and then attempted to cover it up. The victim, identified in the lawsuit only as A.M., is a nonverbal adult with Phelan-McDermid Syndrome, a condition that requires constant supervision and comprehensive care. This tragic case is yet another reminder of the urgent need for accountability and reform in America’s long-term care facilities.

At KBD Attorneys, we are committed to standing up for victims of nursing home abuse. Cases like A.M.’s fuel our mission to ensure that no family has to suffer through this kind of trauma without legal support. If you or a loved one has experienced neglect or abuse in a care facility, a nursing home abuse attorney at KBD is ready to help you fight for justice.

The Allegations: A Timeline of Abuse and Negligence

According to the lawsuit, the situation began as early as August 2024, when staff at Arabella Health and Wellness Center were aware that a male resident was entering A.M.’s room to sexually gratify himself. Despite knowing the danger this individual posed, facility management moved A.M. from a room near the nurses’ station to a more isolated location—allegedly to free up a premium room for a private-pay resident, prioritizing profits over safety.

In December 2024, the victim’s family witnessed the male resident masturbating while watching A.M. from across the hall. Staff were immediately informed and apologized, but failed to take meaningful action. Less than a month later, in January 2025, the same resident was found naked and touching A.M. in her room. Due to her condition, A.M. was unable to verbally communicate what had happened.

Despite the seriousness of the incident, Arabella staff delayed notifying authorities and failed to transport A.M. to a hospital for a sexual assault examination until three days later—and only after repeated demands from her mother. By then, critical evidence may have been lost.

Legal Action and Alleged Cover-Up

The lawsuit filed by Phyllis Robertson, A.M.’s grandmother and legal conservator, accuses multiple entities and individuals associated with the nursing home of gross negligence, wanton conduct, and failure to follow federal regulations. The complaint asserts that:

• Staff failed to protect A.M. despite knowing the threat she faced.
• Administrators prioritized financial gain over resident safety.
• Mandatory reporting laws were ignored.
• The facility misled both the family and medical professionals about the nature of the incident.
• The delay in obtaining a sexual assault exam led to spoliation of evidence.

These actions reflect a systemic failure to uphold even the most basic standards of care and show the importance of pursuing legal recourse in similar cases.

A Widespread Problem in the U.S.

Unfortunately, A.M.’s story is not unique. Across the United States, thousands of nursing home residents suffer abuse each year—often silently. Many victims are nonverbal, cognitively impaired, or physically incapable of defending themselves or reporting mistreatment. According to federal data, nearly one in six nursing home residents is the victim of abuse or neglect.

Yet too often, facilities fail to report or properly investigate abuse, and families are left in the dark until it’s too late. This is why working with an experienced nursing home abuse lawyer is so crucial. Families deserve to know the truth and have the opportunity to seek justice.

KBD Attorneys: Advocates for the Vulnerable

At KBD Attorneys, we handle nursing home abuse and neglect litigation, with a proven track record of helping families uncover the truth and hold negligent facilities accountable. We understand how emotionally devastating these cases can be, and we fight tirelessly to ensure that the legal system works for those who need it most.

From physical abuse and neglect to financial exploitation and sexual misconduct, our nursing home abuse attorneys have the expertise and compassion to handle even the most complex cases. Our team is currently tracking similar lawsuits and regulatory actions across the country, and we are ready to take on powerful nursing home operators who fail in their duty of care.

How Families Can Protect Their Loved Ones

If you suspect that a loved one is being abused or neglected in a nursing home:

1. Document everything – Take notes, photos, and videos.
2. Report concerns immediately to facility staff, state agencies, or law enforcement.
3. Request medical exams when physical or sexual abuse is suspected.
4. Consult a nursing home abuse lawyer to explore legal options.

What Comes Next

The lawsuit against Arabella Health and Wellness Center is ongoing, but it serves as a powerful reminder that families must remain vigilant. Nursing homes are entrusted with the care of our most vulnerable loved ones, and any breach of that trust should be met with swift and serious consequences.

At KBD Attorneys, we are here to help you navigate these difficult situations with dignity and determination. If your loved one has suffered abuse or neglect, don’t wait. Contact a nursing home abuse attorney today for a free consultation.