Families who make the difficult decision to admit their loved ones to a nursing home expect that nursing home staff will keep their loved ones safe and protected. However, there are many forms of abuse that occur in nursing homes and patients can face a significant decline in their health as a result.
It could be important to get started on your case as early as possible due to filing deadlines, and there may be evidence that a Pascagoula nursing home abuse lawyer could gather regarding your loved one’s treatment. Contact a knowledgeable personal injury attorney for a confidential consultation today.
Nursing home abuse is not technically a legal definition. However, nursing home abuse can be where any resident has below standard or legal standard care. Abuse tends to mean that someone intentionally harms someone else.
However, the legal definition and the legal standard which nursing homes are held to, is that they will not negligently injure or negative negligently care for a nursing home resident.
The types of patients that are vulnerable to physical abuse are patients that cannot adequately express their needs and desires and communicate those issues to another person. If that person is unable to communicate issues, they are more likely to be abused by a nursing home.
Abuse could go on for months or years in a nursing home without it being reported. Due to physical or mental impairments, nursing home patients may not be able to describe the incidents that have occurred, recognize abuse when it happens, or identify the individuals involved. Common indicators of abuse that a loved one may be able to spot and act upon include:
Medical records may be an important aspect of a nursing home abuse or neglect claim, as they could contain information regarding the treatment the affected resident received, the individuals involved in their care, and any signs of preexisting health issues. With the help of medical professionals, a nursing home abuse lawyer in Pascagoula could investigate suspected abuse, review medical records, and work to prove negligence or intentional abuse in court.
Depending on the nature and severity of their injuries, an abused patient may need weeks or months of medical treatment. It is not uncommon for victims of nursing home abuse to require surgical procedures, physical therapy, or rehabilitation to heal or recover from their injuries. In many cases, a victim of nursing home abuse may experience mental anguish, in addition to the physical pain and suffering that nursing home staff caused.
If a plaintiff can show that a nursing home’s negligence or breach of the standard of care caused an injury, they may be able to hold that facility liable for damages. Injured residents and their family members may be able to recover for various losses and expenses related to the incident, such as:
A Pascagoula nursing home abuse attorney could assist individuals in assessing damages and filing a lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires on the claim. Considering the complexity of most nursing home abuse cases, it could be beneficial to let an experienced attorney begin working on a claim as soon as there is suspicion of abuse.
You should be able to trust that your loved one will not be abused or neglected in a nursing home. When individuals cause injuries to nursing home patients through intentional actions or negligence, they should be held accountable.
Delays can be detrimental to a claim, so do not hesitate to reach out for help. Call a Pascagoula nursing home abuse lawyer today to schedule a consultation and receive an initial evaluation of your claim.