The decision to place a loved one in the care of a nursing home is incredibly difficult. Part of the reason the process is so trying is because you are putting the care and protection of your loved one in others' hands. It is an unfortunate reality that once in a nursing home or an assisted living community, there is a significant risk that your loved one will be subject to abuse or neglect.
Nursing home abuse is one of the most serious and largely unreported crimes in America today. The negligence of nursing home staff members causes hundreds of thousands of injuries and deaths throughout the United States every year. Federal inspectors receive tens of thousands of complaints relating to nursing home conditions every year. Recent studies by federal inspectors have shown that nearly 95% of nursing home facilities are in violation of federal health and safety standards. This means that even the best nursing homes present a substantial risk to your loved ones. Even more unfortunately, nearly 85% of nursing home abuse cases are unreported or unrecognized.
Some of the most common warning signs of nursing home abuse are:
- Sexual Abuse
- Falls
- Unnecessary Physical restraint
- Pressure Sores
- Internal bleeding
- Medication errors
- Head injuries
- Bruises
- Broken bones
- Fractures
- Verbal Abuse
- Emotional Trauma
- Malnutrition
- Sepsis
- Choking
- Ulcers
- Poor hygiene
- Dehydration
- Soiled bedding
- Death
With 95% of nursing homes being in violation of federal health and safety standards, the odds of receiving satisfactory care are stacked against your loved one. However, federal and state law do offer protection against substandard treatment and conditions.
According to federal law, nursing homes are statutorily required to provide the highest practicable level of physical, mental and psychological welfare to each resident. Each patient's individual circumstances must be taken into consideration by the caregiver so they receive special and individualized care. Additionally, in order to receive certain federal funding nursing homes must do things like:
- Take measures to prevent residents from developing bedsores;
- Provide adequate supervision;
- Prevent medication errors; and
- Provide 24 hour a day medical supervision from physicians.
In the unfortunate event of nursing home abuse there are three courses of action:
- Investigation and audit by a nursing home policing entity;
- Criminal prosecution; and
- Civil personal injury claim.
The Law Offices of Adam J. Zayed, P.C. is dedicated to protecting the rights of nursing home residents and to confronting those responsible for nursing home negligence. Too many nursing home companies try to maximize their profits at the expense of their patient's safety. An attorney at The Law Offices of Adam J. Zayed, P.C., will look into all aspects of your case to make sure your family and loved ones get the justice they deserve.
Chicago Negligence Attorney
Nursing home abuse and neglect can result in incredibly offensive and outrageous injuries. If someone close has suffered from abuse and misconduct at the hands of a nursing home or assisted care facility, please contact The Law Offices of Adam J. Zayed, P.C. at 312.726.1616 in Chicago.
