The elderly are among the most vulnerable populations in society. In recent years, there have been increased cases of nursing home neglect that have led to critical injuries and even death.
Negligence is defined as failure to provide care, maintenance, or supervision of a person who requires it. It is estimated that one out of every five people over 65 will experience some form of nursing home neglect. Learn more about what types of injuries can be caused by this negligence and why it’s so important for the elderly to get proper care now!
Image source: https://unsplash.com/photos/VUOiQW4OeLI
1. How An Attorney Can Help With Your Case
If you believe that your loved one has suffered injuries as a result of nursing home negligence, it is important to speak with an attorney right away. As emphasized at www.hurtcallbert.com, an attorney can help advise you on the best course of action and help you seek the compensation you deserve. Also, be aware that most states have a statute of limitations, or a time limit, on how long you have to file a lawsuit. So don’t delay in seeking legal help. An attorney will also be able to help you if the nursing home tries to intimidate or bully you.
2. Filing For Compensation
Many families find themselves in a difficult situation when a loved one is injured or dies as a result of nursing home negligence. It can be hard to know what to do and where to turn for help. One of the most important things you can do is familiarize yourself with your legal rights and options. Below are four things you should know about filing for compensation in cases of nursing home negligence:
- You have the right to file a lawsuit against the nursing home – If your loved one has been injured or killed as a result of nursing home negligence, you have the right to file a lawsuit against the facility. This type of lawsuit is known as wrongful death or personal injury lawsuit. To win your case, you will need to be able to prove that the nursing home was negligent and that this negligence caused your loved one’s injuries or death.
- You may be able to receive financial compensation – If you are successful in your lawsuit, you may be able to receive financial compensation from the nursing home. This compensation can help cover the costs associated with your loved one’s injury or death, such as medical bills, funeral expenses, and lost wages.
- It is important to act quickly – To file a lawsuit against a nursing home, you must do so within a certain amount of time. This time limit is known as the statute of limitations and it varies from state to state. It is important to act quickly so you don’t miss your opportunity to file a lawsuit.
- You can get help from a lawyer – If you are considering filing a lawsuit against a nursing home, it is important to seek legal help. A lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options and can guide you through the legal process.
3. What Constitutes Negligence?
There are many ways in which nursing homes can be negligent, from failing to provide basic care and safety measures to causing physical or emotional harm. Some of the most common types of negligence include:
- Failing to provide adequate food or hydration
- Failing to provide appropriate medical care
- Allowing patients to wander off or fall asleep unsupervised
- Not providing necessary assistance with activities of daily living
- Physical abuse or neglect
- Emotional abuse
- Sexual abuse
It is important to remember that not all nursing home injuries are the result of negligence. Sometimes things just happen, and there is no one to blame. However, if you suspect that your loved one’s injuries were caused by negligence on the part of the nursing home staff, it is important to speak with an attorney.
4. How Can I Prevent Nursing Home Negligence?
While there is no way to guarantee that your loved one will not be harmed while in a nursing home, there are some things you can do to help reduce the risk of negligence:
- Regularly visit your loved one – Visiting your loved one regularly is one of the best ways to ensure that they are being properly taken care of. If you notice any signs that they are not being treated well, or if you suspect that they are being abused or neglected, speak with the staff immediately.
- Make sure the nursing home is licensed – All nursing homes should be licensed by the state in which they operate. To check if a particular nursing home is licensed, you can contact your state’s department of health.
If you have a loved one in a nursing home, it is important to be vigilant and aware of their condition at all times. If you suspect that they are being harmed in any way, do not hesitate to speak with the staff or an attorney. For more information, please visit our website.
