When family members grow older and need a little extra medical care, they are often placed in nursing homes. This is done with the expectation that they will be taken care and respected. Unfortunately, there are some cases where this is not true. Family members must watch for warning signs of mistreatment towards a loved one in a nursing home. When someone is being mistreated by those who are meant to take care of them, it is crucial to take action in order to help them.
What is Medical Malpractice?
When dealing with nursing home abuse, it is important to understand medical malpractice. Healthcare professionals are held to a certain standard in order to practice medicine. When medical professionals fail to meet this standard for their patients, they may be found guilty of medical malpractice. Medical malpractice is a form of negligence that may cause an immense amount of suffering for a patient. Certain examples of medical malpractice may be the failure to diagnose, surgical mistakes, medicinal errors, insufficient consent, and more.
Signs of Abuse
If you believe a loved one is suffering from medical malpractice through neglect in their nursing home, it is important to recognize any signs. Abuse or neglect can happen in many ways. This may include physical abuse, sexual abuse, medication errors, and more. Some signs to look out for in the event of nursing home abuse may include but is not limited to:
- Broken bones
- Unexplained bruises
- Malnutrition
- Dehydration
- Bedsores
- Sudden weight loss
- If the loved one expresses a fear of being left alone at the nursing home
The Nursing Home Reform Act is in place to ensure the safety of all individuals placed in the care of a nursing home. It exists to establish a set of guidelines necessary for nursing homes to follow. The guidelines enforce certain requirements that nurses must adhere to. These requirements include periodic assessments as well as specific services for the residents (dietary, social, pharmaceutical, rehabilitation). These procedures work to protect the residents from any harm while they are in the nursing home.
What Rights Do Residents Have?
When individuals come to a nursing home, they should be given all of the information about the home. This includes all services offered and any fees that are applicable before becoming a resident there. All residents in nursing homes have a right to their own privacy. This allows them to keep any personal belongings they may have. They also have the right to all information on their condition as well as the medication they are receiving. All residents also have the right to refuse any treatment as they wish.
Contact our Firm
If you have a loved one that may be a victim of abuse or neglect in a nursing home, contact The Law Office of Richard M. Kenny today.
Our entire legal team is dedicated to providing the advice you need and the personalized attention you deserve. Call 212-421-0300 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with a New York City personal injury lawyer.
