What Warrants A Nursing Home Negligence Suit

By Kristen Baird


Being placed in a long term care unit by family is a frightening concept for senior citizens. Some patients find themselves spending time in one in an effort to recover strength and skills to return home after surgery or extended illness has weakened their bodies. Others suffer from memory issues and are at risk of wandering or getting lost if left alone. All of these situations require constant professional care and attention to the details of safety and compassion for the needs of loved ones. Sometimes removing a family member and filing a nursing home negligence suit becomes a necessary option for families.

Researching the facilities that are available is imperative prior to selecting the location you want to trust with your loved ones welfare. Hammond, LA offers a number of facilities to choose from. Nothing compares to a physical visit to each of the sites available for consideration. You should also follow up with an internet search of state and federal inspection scores, any legal actions, pending or resolved and customer reviews for information not obvious to the casual visitor.

Negligent treatment of patients is one of the worst forms of abuse. It can be very subtle and include such behaviors as unclean linens on patients beds, dirty common areas and unsanitary living conditions. Patients clothing may be soiled and bathing practices may be ignored. Nutrition and hydration are important issues that may be ignored or forgotten by negligent staff.

Many time patients are afraid to report these behaviors for fear of reprisals from staff. Others are not capable of reporting them because they are confused or cannot speak. Family members need to be vigilant every time they visit for signs of negligent abuses.

A sudden loss of weight, unexplained bruising, urinary tract infections from dehydration, sudden, unexplained illness caused by medications not being dispensed or being given the wrong medications, clothing dirty, lost or stolen. All of these things should alert family to conditions that are harmful to patients.

Lack of properly trained staff or hiring too few people to handle the number of patients is generally the main cause of neglect. There are occasions when a staff member physically abuses patients by hitting or pinching as punishment for unwanted behaviors. Other punishments include withholding food, water or medications. If you suspect any of these things it is imperative that you report them to the authorities and make arrangements to move your loved one immediately.

Patients in these facilities have the right to be taken care of in the most professional and compassionate way possible. The facility is obligated to supply adequate staff, proper supervision, a clean and healthy environment, nutritious meals and activities that support independent living skills. Those who are immobile are entitled to care that prevents bed sores from developing and to be clean and dry at all times.

If you suspect abuse is happening to your loved one you must document it and take photographs of what you see. The next step is to contact your attorney for legal advice and actions.




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