What is Nursing Home Abuse?
There are millions of elderly adults in nursing homes throughout the country. These individuals are dependent upon others for basic care such as food, water and clothing. However, there are many nursing homes that have insufficient and poorly trained staff that contribute to the growing problem of nursing home abuse. What are Some Common Types of Abuse?
Abuse can include the following: - Failure to provide adequate food, water or medicine
- Failure to protect elderly from safety hazards
- Assault, Battery, Rape or any other unwanted physical contact
What Can I Do to Stop the Abuse?
There are a variety of steps an elderly person can take to stop the abuse. First, file a complaint with local law enforcement. The police may start a criminal investigation into nursing home abuse. Second, contact your local protective services agency to begin an investigation. The local protective agency usually comes under the State Department of Health. Finally, a lawsuit for compensatory and punitive damages may be possible. Can a Nursing Home be Held Liable for the Actions of its Employees?
Employers can usually be held liable for the actions of their employees when they¿re at work. If a nursing home employee injured you or a loved while on duty then the nursing home is probably liable. How Can I Be Sure that My Relative is Being Adequately Cared For?
There are many steps relatives can undertake to prevent nursing home abuse. These include: - Ask Questions ¿ When choosing a nursing home, you should be vigilant in determining what services the nursing home provides
- Check elderly for weight loss, bedsores, etc.
- Frequent visits
Should I Contact a Lawyer if I Suspect Nursing Home Abuse?
Nursing home abuse is a troublesome and difficult area of the law. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and help you choose the best course of action against a nursing home. |
