What to Do If Your Loved One Is Injured
Families place significant trust in nursing homes to provide their aging loved ones with the care and support they need. Unfortunately, this trust can sometimes be broken by instances of neglect or abuse within these facilities. At Golomb Legal., we believe that vulnerable members of our community are treated with respect and dignity. Increasing awareness about the signs of nursing home neglect is a vital step in achieving this.
In this blog post, we will guide you through the common indicators of neglect and offer advice on what to do if you suspect your loved one is a victim.
Understanding How the Signs of Neglect May Manifest
Nursing home neglect and abuse manifest in two main categories: physical and emotional/behavioral. Both these categories are crucial to monitor as they offer valuable insights into the well-being of your loved ones. Being vigilant about these signs is essential to ensuring our loved ones their safety and dignity.
Physical signs of nursing home neglect can include:
- Unexplained bruises, cuts, or burns
- Frequent falls or injuries
- Malnutrition or dehydration
- Poor personal hygiene
- Unsanitary living conditions
Emotional and behavioral red flags may include:
- Sudden changes in behavior or mood
- Social withdrawal or isolation
- Fear or anxiety around certain staff members
- Unexplained weight loss or gain
- Unresponsiveness or lack of engagement
Steps to Take If You Suspect Your Loved One Has Been a Victim of Nursing Home Neglect
If you suspect your loved one has been injured due to nursing home neglect, your initial instinct might be to panic. However, the first critical step is to maintain composure and ensure the safety and well-being of your loved one.
Here are some steps you can take:
- Inspect the Situation: Gather as much information as possible about the injury and current situation. Keep records of any changes in their health or behavior.
- Contact a Personal Injury Attorney: An experienced personal injury attorney can guide you through the process of reporting the neglect all the way to filing a lawsuit against the nursing home if necessary. They can also help you gather evidence, manage legal documentation, and represent you and your loved one in court.
- Report to the Authorities: Notify the management of the nursing home and file a formal complaint. Follow up on this complaint to ensure it's being investigated thoroughly.
- Seek Medical Attention: Ensure your loved one receives immediate medical care. Apart from treating possible injuries, a medical examination can also serve as solid evidence of neglect.
- Document Everything: Keep a record of all interactions, complaints, and medical reports. This will be valuable if you decide to pursue a personal injury case.
Remember, every person deserves respect and proper care. If you believe your loved one is a victim of nursing home neglect, don't hesitate to take legal action.
Compensation in Nursing Home Neglect Cases
In cases of nursing home neglect, compensation may be sought for a variety of damages incurred due to negligence. This could include medical expenses for the treatment of injuries or illnesses caused by neglect, pain, and suffering endured by the victim, and in some cases, punitive damages aimed to penalize the nursing home or caregiver for their neglectful actions.
Compensation can also be sought for the costs of necessary therapy or rehabilitation services, relocation expenses if the victim had to move to a different facility, and even the loss of enjoyment of life. In the tragic event of a victim’s death due to neglect, the victim's family may also be able to seek compensation for wrongful death, which could include funeral and burial expenses, loss of companionship, and more.
Get Caring Help When You Need It Most
Pursuing a nursing home neglect case with the help of a personal injury attorney can greatly increase the chances of receiving fair and just compensation. It can also go a long way in making nursing homes safer for all residents. A seasoned attorney will have an in-depth understanding of the legalities involved in such cases and can effectively navigate the legal system to hold the responsible parties accountable.
If you suspect neglect or abuse, do not hesitate to seek legal advice from Golomb Legal., a trusted personal injury law firm in Philadelphia, PA, with extensive experience overseeing nursing home neglect cases. Send us a message to schedule a confidential consultation.