When family members grow older and need extra medical assistance, they are sometimes placed in nursing homes. When this is done, those individuals and their families expect that they will be properly taken care and respected. Unfortunately, there are some cases in which this is not true and elderly people are mistreated in nursing homes. Family members must keep their eyes open for warning signs of mistreatment towards a loved one residing in a home. It is crucial to take action in order to help those who are being mistreated by individuals whose job it is to take care of them.
What is Medical Malpractice?
When handling nursing home abuse, it is important to understand the issue of medical malpractice. Healthcare professionals are obligated to take care of their patients, holding them to a certain standard of care. When medical professionals fail to meet this standard of care or violate it, they may be found guilty of medical malpractice. Medical malpractice is a form of negligence that has the potential to cause a significant amount of suffering for a patient. Some examples of medical malpractice can be the failure to diagnose, surgical mistakes, medicinal errors, insufficient consent, and more.
Signs of Abuse
It is important to recognize any signs of abuse if you believe a loved one is suffering from malpractice through the neglect of their nursing home. Abuse or neglect can happen in many ways. Examples of this may include physical abuse, sexual abuse, medication errors, and more. Some signs to look out for in the event of nursing home abuse may include but is not limited to:
- Broken bones
- Unexplained bruises
- Malnutrition
- Dehydration
- Bedsores
- Sudden weight loss
- If the loved one expresses a fear of being left alone at the nursing home
The Nursing Home Reform Act was set in place in 1987. This act exists to ensure the safety of all individuals in the care of a nursing home. It establishes a set of guidelines that nursing homes must follow. These guidelines enforce requirements that nurses must adhere to. This includes periodic assessments as well as providing specific services for the residents (dietary, social, pharmaceutical, rehabilitation). These work to protect residents from any harm while they are in the nursing home.
What Rights Do Residents Have?
When individuals first come to a nursing home, they should be provided with all the information about the home. This information includes all services that are offered and any applicable fees before becoming a resident there. All residents in nursing homes have a right to their own privacy, allowing them to keep any personal belongings they desire. In addition to this, they have the right to all information regarding their condition as well as the medication they are receiving. Residents also have the right to refuse any treatment as they wish.
Contact our Firm
If you have a loved one that may be a victim of abuse or neglect in a nursing home, contact Trombly & Singer, PLLC.today.
The experienced personal injury and medical malpractice attorneys at Trombly & Singer, PLLC are prepared to represent clients facing legal matters after being injured due to another person’s negligence. If you require strong legal representation in Washington D.C. or Maryland, contact our firm today to schedule a consultation.
