Nursing Home Negligence Lawsuits

With well over 1.6 million Americans currently residing in about 17,000 nursing homes across the country, nursing home care can be a lucrative business. In fact, many nursing homes are part of for-profit organizations. The nursing home industry brings in almost $80 billion each year, with many of the for-profit homes looking to cut costs and maximize profits. In the coming years, experts expect that the population of those in nursing homes will dramatically increase, making for-profit nursing homes more and more prevalent. Unfortunately, this leaves the elderly population living in these homes at a great risk of neglect. Numerous studies have recently shown that countless elderly individuals living in nursing homes have been victims of neglect, leading to serious injury, psychological distress, and in severe cases even death. Not only is nursing home neglect occurring often, but seven out of every eight instances of nursing home neglect or abuse go undocumented. In many cases, the elderly victim is unable to report instances of neglect because of their frail health or physical and mental disabilities.

As their family members get older, many people feel that placing their parents, grandparents, or other elderly relatives in a nursing home will lead to better medical attention and better care overall. Many believe that they’re placing their family members in safe hands, but in too many cases this is simply not what occurs. Nursing home residents are particularly vulnerable to cases of neglect because of their age and mental ability. Residents of nursing homes can’t take care of themselves, and rely on those employed by the nursing home to help them meet their everyday needs. When these needs aren’t met, nursing home neglect occurs. To determine whether or not your loved one has become a victim of nursing home neglect, there are a number of signs to look for including:

• Frequent or unexplained injuries
• Complaints of pain but no obvious or observable injury
• Malnutrition or dehydration that is not the result of some sort of terminal illness or other explained medical condition
• Lack or deterioration of personal cleanliness
• Resident is left unattended or alone for long periods of time
• Bedsores or skin lesions
• Frequently dresses in dirty or torn clothing
• In need of medical care, particularly dental care or poor dental hygiene

If you observe any of these signs, it could be evidence of nursing home neglect. In instances of nursing home neglect, there can be considerable stress not only on the resident of the nursing home, but on the family of the victim.

Many instances of nursing home neglect happen as a result of failure to monitor. Failure to monitor encompasses a number of situations, from failing to monitor a resident’s deteriorating condition, and failing to do routine medical screenings, such as monitoring the resident’s blood pressure or blood sugar level. In addition, it is essential that nursing home staff members monitor a resident’s respiratory conditions and heart problems that could lead to a heart attack or blood clotting. Failing to monitor the resident’s medical condition effectively can result in serious injury, and can bring about serious illness that could have been easily prevented had the problem been spotted earlier. In failure to monitor cases, the victim and his or her family could be entitled to compensation from the nursing home. In fact, many states have implemented laws in order to make it easier for residents and their families to bring a case against the nursing home at fault for the resident’s neglect.

In many cases, it can be extremely important to call an attorney if nursing home neglect has occurred. Many residents can have a claim against the nursing home and could be entitled to compensation for their injuries. At Altman & Altman LLP, we understand that situations like this can cause pain, anxiety, and stress, and we are committed to helping you and your family make it through this difficult situation. A consultation with Altman & Altman is free, so there is no risk in making a phone call to our office. You may contact us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. With over 40 years of experience, the attorneys at Altman & Altman can help you form a case against the nursing home for the neglect of a loved one.