Though nobody ever wants to leave their loved one in a nursing home, the unfortunate reality is that sometimes, we have no choice. That being said, nursing homes are expected to care for our loved ones as they would their own, and in most cases, they do. However, if you suspect your loved one is a victim of nursing home negligence or abuse, you most likely now want to sue that nursing home. Please read on and reach out to our experienced Pennsylvania medical malpractice attorneys to learn more about how we can help you through the legal process going forward.
What is nursing home negligence?
Nursing homes owe their residents a duty of care, meaning they are legally obligated to ensure your loved one is safe, clean, and free to live his or her life peacefully. Nursing homes do not live up to that standard of care when they fail to ensure your loved one has clean food and water, that their hygiene is maintained, that their complaints are listened to, and more. This is known as nursing home negligence.
What are some signs and symptoms of nursing home abuse/neglect?
When leaving your loved one in a nursing home, you should always keep an eye out for the following to ensure that they are not being taken advantage of:
- Soiled bed linens or poor personal hygiene
- The disappearance of personal possessions or cash
- Bedsores or pressure ulcers
- Reports of physical or sexual abuse
- Injuries from nursing home falls
- Sudden weight loss
- A sudden change in behavior, often manifesting in expressions of fear when certain nurses or caretakers come around
- Unexplained bruises or cuts
What should I do if I suspect my loved one is being neglected/abused in a nursing home?
The most important thing you can do, especially if you suspect your loved one is in immediate danger, is call the police. In many cases, they can have your loved one moved to a safer environment, as well as document any incidents of abuse or neglect. From here, however, you may also wish to reach out to the Department of Health, the Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, and/or the Department of Health’s Division of Nursing Home Care Facilities. These organizations are all designed to ensure your loved one’s well-being.
Next, you should retain the legal services of an experienced attorney who knows the ins and outs of the claims process. Our firm will work to recover various types of valuable evidence needed to prove your claim and attain the justice you and your family deserve. Our firm is here to fight for your rights–all you have to do is ask.
Contact our experienced Pennsylvania firm
Friedman Schuman is an experienced and dedicated legal resource for clients throughout Pennsylvania. We proudly serve clients facing a wide range of legal matters. If you require the services of an effective attorney, please contact Friedman Schuman today to schedule a consultation.
