Nobody wants to think about the day they place their loved one in a nursing home, however, it is an unfortunate fact of life for many of us. When you decide it’s inevitable, you most likely research to find the most caring, best-kept nursing home with a stellar reputation you trust to house your loved one. Nursing homes are rarely thought of as inherently pleasant, however, nursing home staff and employers are responsible for the way their patients are cared for and treated. Usually, this is the case, and nursing home patients are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve. However, sometimes, nursing home employers and staff are negligent, and our loved ones are harmed as a result. This is unacceptable. If you believe you or a loved one were injured or harmed due to nursing home negligence, here are some of the questions you may have:
Are there different types of nursing home negligence?
Nursing homes are required to meet and address their patient’s basic needs at all times. These include food, water, and a clean and safe living environment. Additionally, a nursing home is required to listen to your loved one if they are in pain or request assistance in some way. If your loved one is repeatedly ignored or neglected, you may have a case of nursing home neglect. Additionally, nursing homes are responsible for helping patients with their cleaning, bathing, laundry, and other personal hygiene matters that they are unable to do themselves. Lastly, and rather obviously, nurses and aides in these situations are also required to provide their patients with adequate care and medication to ensure they do not develop unwarranted medical conditions.
What are some signs of nursing home neglect?
There are several warning signs that your loved one has been neglected by his or her nursing home staff. Some of the things you should look out for are as follows:
- Injuries from nursing home falls
- Dehydration
- Malnutrition
- Sudden weight loss
- Bedsores or pressure ulcers
- Broken bones
- Improper medication dosing
- Verbal abuse or harassment
- Infections
- Reports of physical or sexual abuse
How do I prove nursing home negligence?
To prove nursing home negligence, you must report it to the appropriate authorities as soon as possible. You should also speak with facility management as soon as possible. Some of the nursing home abuse enforcement agencies you may report the incident to are as follows:
- The New Jersey Office of the Adult Protective Services Agency
- The New Jersey Office of the Ombudsman for the Institutionalized Elderly
- The Department of Health
- Local law enforcement
You and your attorney should take pictures of the nursing home conditions, your loved one’s injuries, recover security camera footage, and use medical documentation regarding your loved one’s injuries to present the most convincing claim possible. Do not let a negligent nursing home get away with abusing your loved one in their time of need.
Contact our experienced New Jersey firm today
The law firm of Mattleman, Weinroth & Miller, P.C., is composed of experienced defense attorneys throughout the state of New Jersey. We understand the severity and immediacy of all personal injury claims and additional legal matters, and we provide each of our clients with compassionate and aggressive legal assistance, every step of the way. Please contact our office for a free initial consultation and get any questions answered regarding your legal case.