Self Help with Nursing Home Injuries
Nursing home injuries that result from neglect or abuse must be taken seriously. Every situation needs to be evaluated carefully. Not every situation justifies the filing of a medical malpractice lawsuit. Malpractice cases are expensive to pursue and require expert testimony to be successful.
Where an injury quickly heals, a malpractice case may not be practical. But, there are remedies available to families who have had a loved one fall victim to abuse or neglect at an assisted living facility. Here we outline a few of the steps you should consider taking immediately to protect a patient’s safety and well-being.
Contact the Operators of the Nursing Home
If you suspect neglect or mistreatment, discuss the issue with the chief of staff at the facility or higher-level management at the facility. Your goal should be to resolve the problem, and ensure better care for your loved one going forward. Consider recording the conversations you have in person about your issues. If you come to an agreeable understanding about the issue, ask the facility to put it in writing and ask them to sign it. Thereafter, you must continue to monitor the problem to be sure that the solution is implemented, and that the patient is safe and secure.
Contact State Officials Charged with Supervising the Facility
Consider contacting your State’s Adult Protective Services agency, and/or nursing home licensing board. Such agencies need to know of dangerous situations at a facility, and may be able to connect you with other resource agencies at the local and federal government levels.
Document with Photos and Videos Signs of Abuse or Neglect
If you see bruising and/or swelling, or what might be called common warning signs of abuse or neglect, you need to take action to preserve evidence of what you observe. Factual proof that your elderly or vulnerable loved one may have been mistreated is important. Have the photos or video clips available when you discuss the matter with the operators of the facility and/or government regulatory agencies. Stay vigilant.
If your loved one has suffered a serious injury while at a nursing home, or extended care facility, contact a qualified attorney as soon as possible for assistance in holding the operators of the facility accountable for any wrongful conduct.
Contact us for a free consultation about your options by calling +1 (219) 736-9700. Our experienced legal team will listen to your information and we will provide appropriate advice and guidance.
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