As our loved ones age, they may have a hard time living on their own. Of course, this comes as a great concern to the family members that only want to ensure the safety and well-being of their older relatives. Sometimes, the best option is for the loved one to live in a nursing care facility so they can receive round-the-clock care as needed. Of course, the hope is always to get a loved one the care they require but unfortunately, some nursing care facilities fall short. The unfortunate reality is that nursing home negligence is a real issue and can have significant negative impacts on a resident that is being maltreated. If you have a loved one in a nursing care facility, it is important to be aware of the realities of nursing home negligence and have an understanding of what actions can be taken to hold offenders accountable.
Some of the most common forms of nursing home negligence may include malnutrition, bed sores, various forms of abuse, harassment, infections, dehydration, broken bones, medication errors, and more. It is important to always be on the lookout for signs of neglect because in many cases, they aren’t immediately apparent.
What should I do if my loved one is a victim of negligence?
If your loved one is abused or neglected in a nursing care facility, it is important to consider your legal options. Be aware that you must prove that the negligence occurred. To do so, you should collect and preserve all evidence of communication with the nursing home facility. In addition, it is important to take pictures or video of poor conditions. It is crucial to report any abuse to local law enforcement agencies, the New Jersey Office of The Adult Protective Services Agency, the NJ Office of Ombudsman for the Institutionalized Elderly, and the Department of Health.
Once the appropriate authorities are notified of the neglect or abuse that your loved one has suffered, it is important to consult with an experienced nursing home negligence attorney. Contact our firm today.
Stathis & Leonardis, LLC is an experienced personal injury law firm in Middlesex County, New Jersey that is committed to helping clients who have been hurt because of the negligence of another party. If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident or were injured on another person’s property, contact our firm today.
