Are Nursing Homes Liable for Neglect?
Neglect in the Elderly in Nursing Homes
Nursing home abuse and neglect is a problem that affects thousands of people every year in the United States. While most nursing homes provide quality care to their residents, there are some that fall short, resulting in serious injuries or even death.
If you suspect that your loved one has been the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, you may be wondering if you can sue the facility. The answer to this question is not always clear, as each case is different and will need to be evaluated on its own merits.
Proving Nursing Home Neglect
There are some general things to keep in mind if you are considering filing a lawsuit against a nursing home. First, it is important to understand that nursing homes are considered “businesses” under the law. This means that they can be held liable for their actions (or inaction) just like any other business.
It must be proven that the nursing home was negligent in some way. This means that you will need to show that the nursing home failed to provide adequate care to your loved one and that this failure resulted in harm.
You will need to show that the nursing home knew (or should have known) about the neglect or abuse and failed to take action to stop it. Finally, you will need to prove that you or your loved one suffered damages as a result of the nursing home’s negligence.
Getting Legal Assistance for Nursing Home Neglect
If you believe that your loved one has been the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, you should contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options, and will gather evidence to support your claim and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
What Are Examples of Nursing Home Neglect?
Nursing home neglect can take many different forms, but some examples include:
- Failure to provide adequate food or water
- Lack of basic hygiene care (such as bathing or dental treatment)
- Failure to provide necessary medical care
- Improper monitoring of residents (which can lead to bedsores or other injuries)
- Failure to provide a safe and clean living environment
- Emotional abuse or neglect (such as verbal mistreatment, threats or isolation)
If you have witnessed any of these forms of neglect, it is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible. Nursing home neglect is a serious problem, and you should not hesitate to take action to protect your loved one’s rights.
Your Nursing Home Neglect Lawyer Can Build a Strong Case
A personal injury lawsuit against the facility can be filed by your nursing home neglect attorney. A strong case can be built by fully explaining how the resident was neglected after visiting with the family and your loved one. In addition, they may gather testimony from other nursing home residents. An official civil lawsuit is filed once the data is gathered.
The Travis Law Firm
In the event that you suspect that a relative is being abused in a nursing home, the Travis Law Firm can assist you in recovering compensation and holding the facility responsible. Get in touch with us if you would like to discuss ways to protect them from further abuse. In the Erie area and throughout northwestern Pennsylvania, you can reach us at (814) 277-2022. Contact us online if you prefer. We offer a free consultation to review your case and let you know what options are available to recover compensation and protect your loved one.