When you decide to move a loved one into a nursing home, you do it in the expectation that the people in charge will take extremely good care of him or her. It does not enter many people’s minds that some nursing homes are negligent in the care of their residents, resulting in illness, injury or sometimes even death. It must come as horrible shock to realize that your loved one has been neglected in a nursing home; in addition, it is a massive violation of trust and devastating for everyone involved. While it is the responsibility of nursing home employees to provide seniors with loving care and compassion, this is unfortunately not always the case. So, if you find that your loved one has been neglected or mistreated, it is essential that you are aware your rights and know how to go about filing for nursing home negligence.
What is Nursing Home Negligence?
Nursing home neglect can manifest itself in a variety of ways. The most common signs you will notice that your loved one has been neglected are bed sores, bad hygiene, malnutrition and dehydration or even injuries which could indicate physical abuse. Nursing home neglect is a criminal offense and is something that should be reported to the police and the people responsible deserve to be punished accordingly. When the police are involved, they will investigate the situation further and hopefully prevent the same from happening to more seniors.
Who should be held Responsible?
Obviously, the caregivers at the nursing home should be held responsible for any direct neglect that occurs to seniors in their care. However, the owners or operators of the nursing home are most directly responsible. They are the ones who should ensure that their staff are providing quality care, so any negligence issues will be directed toward them.
Can I File for Nursing Home Negligence?
If you find that your loved one has been neglected or abused in a nursing home, it is extremely important that you hire a lawyer to help you with your case. You can find an excellent lawyer to help bring justice to those who have wronged the person you love. A nursing home negligence lawsuit is often the best way to ensure that a situation like this never happens again in the future. Your lawyer will investigate the allegations and help you file the lawsuit, providing you with support and advice from start to finish, so you can focus on caring for your loved one.
What should I look for in a Lawyer?
The lawyer you choose to help with your negligence case should be competent and experienced. Look for someone who has had success with these types of cases in the past. While cost is an important factor, the health and well-being of your loved one and of others in the care of the nursing home is at stake. It is therefore essential that you take steps to ensure such negligence and abuse does not happen again.