Nursing Home Negligence
Family members often place their trust and confidence in a nursing home to care for an elderly relative. All too often, nursing homes place their drive for profits above the needs and rights of residents. This happened to one of our clients, a 68-year-old woman who was being mistreated at a nursing home, causing significant weight loss and injuries. We fought for this client and won $270,000 on her behalf. If you or someone you care about is being mistreated at a nursing home, contact Sullivan and Sullivan LLP to get a free case evaluation. We will provide a translator if you need one.
A nursing home, convalescent home, rest home, or elder care facility can be held legally responsible — meaning that a personal injury or medical malpractice lawsuit can be filed — when an act of negligence, neglect, or abuse on the premises ends up causing harm to a patient or resident.
The lack of care can result in injuries such as pressure sores that appear on a resident’s skin and can lead to infection, the need for surgery, or even death. Appropriate nutrition and hydration are also essential for maintaining the health of an elderly nursing home resident. In facilities that are understaffed, there is often a lack of attention given to dietary intake. As a result, poor nutritional status is common. It is every resident’s right to expect that he or she will be properly nourished and hydrated in light of the mental or physical difficulties that may prevent them from eating and drinking on their own.
Signs of neglect:
– Significant Weight Loss
– Bed Sores
– Recurring Infections
– Falls
– Over Medication
– Poor Hygiene
– Bruising
– Dehydration
– Unexplained Injuries
When a resident is injured at a care facility, it is not always obvious what exactly went wrong, and who might be legally responsible. The evidence available is often incomplete and may be self-serving for the defendant, the nursing home. In cases like these, your best first step would be discussing the situation with an experienced attorney.
Americans are living longer than ever before. The fastest growing segment in the United States is the elderly population. As a result of this demographic shift, many elderly Americans have become residents of nursing homes during their final years. As many of these nursing homes are underfunded and understaffed, a disturbingly high incidence of neglect and abuse is being reported. Injuries sustained by nursing home residents due to neglect and abuse often involve the inappropriate use of physical restraints, joint contractors, overuse of sedatives, unnecessary use of urinary catheters, loss of mobility, pressure sores and lack of nutrition with weight loss.
Our elderly are entitled to a dignified existence. When a loved one is placed in a nursing home, he or she should expect the care that is paid for and deserves the degree of care that is appropriate for the well-being and dignity of the resident. When a family member is mistreated, seek the advice of a nursing home attorney immediately.
If you or someone you know in New York, including Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, Staten Island and Long Island (Nassau/Suffolk County), needs the assistance of experienced nursing home negligence attorneys, contact Sullivan and Sullivan LLP to schedule a free consultation. The sooner you call, the higher the compensation can be.
If you or someone you love found themselves in that position, would you not want a dedicated team of legal professionals to fight as hard as they can to help you recover damages?