Home / Crime and Justice / Nurse Wins Benefits Despite Neglect Claims
Nurse Wins Benefits Despite Neglect Claims
29 May
Summary
- Fired nursing home worker awarded unemployment benefits.
- Judge cited lack of warnings for attendance issues.
- Allegations included delayed resident care and complaints.
An administrative law judge has ruled that a former Iowa nursing home worker is eligible for unemployment benefits, despite being terminated for alleged neglect of residents.
Abigail Kromah, a certified nurse aide at Pine Acres Rehabilitation and Care Center, was fired in December 2025 after numerous resident complaints. State records indicated she had received multiple warnings for issues including delayed responses to call-lights and inadequate personal care assistance.
During a hearing, the employer testified about incidents such as Kromah allegedly telling a resident to use their briefs and failing to check on a resident overnight, resulting in them being drenched. Another resident reportedly complained about Kromah's presence and poor care.
However, Administrative Law Judge Michael Lunn found that Kromah's discharge was primarily related to attendance, an area where she had not received specific warnings. He determined that a misconduct discharge must be based on a current act, not past issues, thus entitling Kromah to benefits.
