Nursing home neglect is a form of medical malpractice defined as the negligent harming or mistreatment of any resident in a nursing home. Government studies show that roughly one-third of all nursing homes have committed a negligent or intentional act against a resident which has caused serious personal injury.
That means each year approximately 2 million elderly Americans suffer from some form of
nursing home neglect. Since these acts of nursing home abuse are usually committed by an authority figure, they often go unreported.
In fact, it is estimated that for every reported act of nursing home neglect, at least 5 more of them go unreported. Despite recent state and federal legislation aimed to curb this abuse, the mistreatment and neglect of the elderly continues to occur on a regular basis.
Some of the
more common examples of nursing home neglect include:
• Failure to provide necessary medical treatment
• Failure to provide adequate nutrition, clothing or personal hygiene
• Failure to prevent falls
• Malnutrition and dehydration
• Bed sores and ulcers
• Extreme loss of weight
• Broken bones, cuts, and bruises
• Injuries caused by restraints
• Unexplained death.
There are many state and federal laws that protect residents in nursing homes. When these laws are broken, the nursing home staff may be subject to civil and criminal penalties. Therefore, family members should vigilant and look for signs of
nursing home neglect, such as unexplained injuries, malnutrition and sadness. When any abuse is suspected, it should be immediately reported to the proper authorities.
If you suspect a loved is being abused or neglected at a nursing home, you and your loved one may be legally entitled to compensation for their suffering. Please seek the legal services of a
qualified nursing home neglect attorney who can competently evaluate your claim and advise you of your legal rights. It is important to remember that time restrictions or statute of limitations may bar your lawsuit. So, be sure to act fast and have an experienced lawyer help determine what compensation you are entitled to today.
See Also
- Nursing Home & Daycare Abuse: Overview