The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services tells us 1.4 million Americans live in nursing homes, and estimates are that 1 in 3 nursing homes are guilty of negligence, abuse or neglect of some kind.
That’s 1.4 million grandparents and neighbors and moms and siblings left under the care of individuals working in understaffed, underpaid and underappreciated nursing homes. Unfortunately, in some cases, it goes beyond difficult conditions. It becomes criminal negligence, and it needs to be held accountable.
Here in Florida, about 20% of the population is over 65, so taking a serious look at nursing home neglect is critical and necessary to remain aware of thing that could be pointing to a larger problem. Things like falls, when a resident should be accompanied or weight loss, due to an inability or unwillingness to eat, or bruising that cannot be explained. While these things happen, patients and families need to know how they happened and what has been done to avoid a continuance of the harmful behavior.
What is Nursing Home Neglect?
Federal and state laws both regulate nursing home standards of care. Facilities are required to follow laws, rules and codes to maintain a level of care that is considered safe and proper for their patients. While many problems contribute to the breakdown in care, there is no excuse for allowing that breakdown to deteriorate into a breakdown of following the law.
If your loved one is being neglected or abused, you can do more than move them to another facility. Your loved one may be entitled to compensation for the pain and suffering they’ve been forced to live with from an institution paid to care for them.
Signs of nursing home negligence include:
- Injuries that cannot be explained
- Bruises, burns and welts on the skin
- Cuts, lacerations and skin tears
- Hygiene issues
- Sudden or extreme changes in moods, character
- Weight loss
- STDs
- Dehydration and malnutrition
- Other signs of physical or mental health problems
If you have a loved one in a nursing home, watch for these signs. Should you see them, first bring them to the attention of your loved one’s doctors and caregivers and make needed changes. Next, you should talk to an attorney experienced in nursing home neglect cases.
You Need an Attorney for Nursing Home Neglect Cases in Florida
These types of personal harm cases are heart wrenching for both the victim of the neglect or abuse and the family. You have the right to expect proper care is being given to your loved one. If you find out they haven’t been safe, that can be devastation for the entire family. It’s not unusual for various family members to suffer because of the neglect and abuse.
You can be certain the nursing home will have powerful attorneys to defend their employees and practices. Those attorneys are paid for by insurance companies with deep pockets. You need an attorney who knows what to expect from these charges and how to get your loved one the settlement they deserve.
Contact Ligori & Ligori today to set up a free consultation with one of our experienced and caring attorneys who know how to fight against nursing home neglect.
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