If your loved one has suffered nursing home abuse, you may wonder what resources area available to you to help. When a loved one is entrusted to the care of a nursing home, there is a reasonable expectation that the loved one will be properly cared for and will not suffer harm. When that is not the case, it is important for victims and their families to be familiar with legal protections to help guard against nursing home abuse.
Unfortunately, elderly loved ones can be both physically or psychologically harmed in a nursing home in some instances. Factors that can contribute to the abuse or neglect of nursing home residents can include staff that is poorly or inadequately trained; staff that is unqualified; staff that has a history of violence; inadequate staffing; the practice of isolating residents; and other factors as well. There are different remedies in circumstances of nursing home abuse and neglect which can include criminal, regulatory or civil options.
A claim for nursing home abuse or neglect can help victims and their families recover compensation for the damages they have suffered. Nursing homes can be liable for damages in different instances including because of the negligent hiring and retention of employees; the negligent supervision and care or elderly residents and patients; the negligent maintenance of the premises; and the negligent selection and maintenance of equipment in the facility. There are several elements to proving a claim of nursing home abuse and the negligence of the parties involved that it is important to be familiar with.
When a loved one has suffered nursing home abuse or neglect, it is important to be familiar with the resources available to hold the nursing home, staff and any others involved responsible. The legal process understands how serious nursing home abuse is which is why it provides options to help victims and their families.
Source: Injury.findlaw.com, “Nursing Home Abuse Claims,” Accessed May 13, 2018
