Nursing Home Lawsuits: What You Should Know
Although a nursing home is intended to be a safe place where you can rely on trained professionals to care for your loved one, the unfortunate truth is they are also a place where accidents happen and abuse is not impossible. With advancements in medicine and better care, the life expectancy for the average adult is significantly longer than it was just 50 years ago. This means that more and more adults are moving into nursing homes and assisted living facilities. It is important to thoroughly evaluate a nursing home or other care facility when choosing where your loved one will spend their twilight years. Due to the poor quality of some facilities, nursing home lawsuits are becoming more necessary. If you are concerned about a friend or relative, contact an attorney for assistance.
Nursing Home Abuse
Nursing home abuse is often a case of negligence. In facilities where there are too many dependents and not enough staff members, it is all too easy to let details slip through the cracks. Unfortunately, the ones who suffer are usually those who are least equipped to seek outside help. In some cases, the mistreatment is intentional. Some warning signs of abuse or negligence are more noticeable than others.
* Overall poor nutrition
* Unnecessarily bad hygiene
* Bedsores, bruises, or falls
* Incorrect medication dosage
* Verbal belittling or emotional trauma
* Sexual harassment
* Financial exploitation
Anything that seems out of the ordinary should be cause for concern. Although an elderly individual may be in poor health, his or her condition should still be reasonably maintained. If you suspect something is not right, speak up. If you have been told about a potential problem, take that concern seriously. In many cases, care can be improved, either in the same facility or by moving to another location. When poor care conditions go unnoticed, the result can be severe injury or death. Although this is a worst-case scenario, in the event of a nursing home injury or death that is believed to be caused by abuse or neglect, compensation may be due.
Seeking Legal Aid
The Nursing Home Care Act of Illinois ensures that nursing home residents are treated appropriately. There is no burden of proof for medical malpractice. You need only prove that the care provider did not treat your loved one appropriately, whether intentional or not. If you are unsure what to do, talking with a lawyer can help. You and your family should be allowed to age with dignity.
If you are concerned about the care that a loved one is receiving, an attorney can help you determine whether a nursing home lawsuit may be appropriate. Do not hesitate. Call Malman Law to talk with an experienced attorney today.
