It is never easy to put a loved one in a nursing home, but sometimes it is the best option for an aging or ailing family member. Sometimes, a loved one requires round-the-clock care a nursing home can provide. Nursing facilities should provide excellent care to your loved one and ensure all of his or her needs are met. However, abuse and/or neglect is an unfortunate reality in nursing homes across the country. Sometimes, neglect may be so egregious that it can turn fatal. If your loved one was the victim of nursing home negligence, it may be worth discussing your matter with an experienced attorney to determine if you have legal recourse. The dedicated nursing home abuse attorneys at Friedman Schuman have over 40 years of experience representing victims of abuse in care facilities. We are prepared to investigate your case and help you find justice. Contact Friedman Schuman today to schedule a consultation.
Neglect and abuse in nursing homes
Abuse and neglect in nursing homes can come in many forms, all of which can be incredibly devastating to victims and their families. Residents of nursing homes have the right to live a life with dignity, respect, privacy, and many other basic human rights. Unfortunately, some of those who work in assisted living facilities may take advantage of elderly or ailing residents and deprive them of such rights. There are many forms of neglect and abuse that are found in nursing homes, including, but not limited to:
- Physical abuse
- Bedsores from not being moved often enough
- Malnutrition
- Sexual assault and abuse
- Verbal abuse and harassment
- Medication Errors
- Infections
- Dehydration
- Broken bones
Burden of proof
All allegations of nursing home abuse and neglect should be reported to the proper administration and/or authorities. Nursing home facilities are regulated by the Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare and Medicaid. These agencies also receive reports of alleged neglect and/or abuse in nursing homes. Prior to bringing a lawsuit, it may be a good idea to file the appropriate report or complaint with the applicable agency. This allows the family member and loved one to create a paper trail that can point to the proof required for a lawsuit.
If a loved one is aware of unsanitary or alarming conditions or has evidence of abuse (such as bruises, bite marks, or welts) in a nursing home, it is important to preserve any evidence of the shocking conditions. This information can be presented to the nursing home administrator, who then has a duty to investigate. While these steps may be prudent in determining negligence, it is important to contact an attorney to discuss the case. Oftentimes, nursing homes are lax in their investigations and may not follow the protocol established by the state and federal agencies that govern their operations. In situations where a loved one’s life may be in danger, family members should report the abuse or neglect to law enforcement.
Contact our experienced Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys
If your loved one has been neglected or abused in a nursing home facility, contact the authorities and an experienced attorney. Our firm has over 40 years of experience assisting clients with matters of nursing home neglect. Friedman Schuman has what it takes to represent you or a loved one effectively during this difficult time. Contact Friedman Schuman today to schedule a consultation.
