Many people reach a point in their lives where they can no longer care for themselves. If they are past a certain point, no matter how bad their loved ones wish to avoid it, they may require around-the-clock assistance in a nursing home. When you put a loved one in a nursing home, you expect they will be treated with the dignity and respect they deserve. Generally, nursing homes will abide by your wishes and care for your loved one as you would. However, sometimes, this is not the case, and nursing home staff or employers are negligent, and your loved one is harmed as a result. If you find yourself in this situation, here are some of the questions you may have:
How can nursing home employees behave negligently?
Nursing homes must provide your loved one with clean water, food, and a safe living environment at all times. Nursing homes are required to listen to your loved one’s gripes, and take them into account. For example, if a patient is complaining about some sort of pain, they are required to take him or her seriously and provide medical assistance accordingly. Additionally, nursing homes are required to help your loved one bathe, change clothes, and provide any other necessary assistance to help them live comfortably. When nursing homes fail to take any of the aforementioned actions, they may be considered negligent.
What are the signs of potential nursing home neglect?
If you suspect a loved one is being neglected or abused in a nursing home, here are some of the things you should look out for:
- Sudden weight loss
- Bedsores or pressure ulcers
- Broken bones
- Injuries from nursing home falls
- Dehydration
- Malnutrition
- Infections
- Reports of physical or sexual abuse
- Improper medication dosing
- Verbal abuse or harassment
How can I prove nursing home negligence?
There are several things you and your attorney can do to prove nursing home staff or employers have abused your loved one. For example, you may try and recover security camera footage that captured the act of neglect as it happened. Additionally, you may provide pictures of the incident or poor living conditions, or even use medical documentation detailing the extent of your loved one’s injuries or medical condition to prove your claim. However, if you suspect your loved one is being neglected, you should immediately contact the appropriate authorities, such as the local police force or the Department of Health. Do not let the abuse continue. Hire an experienced attorney who is ready and willing to fight for your loved one’s rights.
Contact our experienced New York firm
Our entire legal team is dedicated to providing the advice you need and the personalized attention you deserve. If you have been injured due to another party’s negligence, call 212-421-0300 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with a New York City personal injury lawyer. You may be entitled to financial compensation, which can help you on your road to recovery.
