Parner
When you trust the care of your loved one to a nursing home or other facility, you expect that your loved one will be treated with dignity and respect. You also expect that your loved one will receive the medical and personal care he or she needs. We want you to know that you have the right to expect all this and more! Unfortunately, nursing home malpractice, abuse, and neglect are common. Our New York medical malpractice attorneys fight for the rights of nursing home patients who have been injured because of nursing home malpractice.
Our attorneys believe that nursing home residents who have been injured because of malpractice deserve justice and to be compensated for their damages. Below are several warning signs that could indicate your loved one is the victim of nursing home malpractice.
Signs of Nursing Home Malpractice
Nursing homes must be held accountable when the care provided to patients causes injuries or death. It is important for you to watch for signs that your family member or loved one is the victim of nursing home malpractice. Signs of malpractice can include:
- Bed Sores — Bed sores are a common sign of nursing home malpractice. When patients are left in bed or sitting in a chair for long periods without being moved, pressure ulcers can develop. A patient should be moved or turned every few hours to help prevent bed sores. Therefore, if your loved one develops bed sores, it could be an indication of nursing home malpractice.
- Falls — Many of the patients in nursing homes have a high risk of falling. Injuries from falls can be severe, including complex fractures, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, neck injuries, and traumatic brain damage. If your loved one experiences repeated falls, it could be an indication that the nursing home does not have sufficient staff, staff members are not supervising patients, or the facility does not have the equipment necessary to prevent falls. In addition, there has to be a detailed assessment made of the likelihood of falling. This should be performed on admission as well as when the patient is transferred back from any procedures.
- Loss of Weight or Malnutrition — As with falls, many patients in nursing homes cannot feed themselves or have conditions that make feeding more difficult. Staff members should monitor feeding to ensure that patients are receiving the nutrition they need to maintain good health and strength. If you notice signs of poor nutrition such as weight loss, brittle hair, ridged nails, mental health issues, or slow immune response, you may need to have your loved one evaluated by a physician for nursing home malpractice.
- Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect — Sadly, nursing home abuse and neglect are common, especially when patients are unable to communicate effectively with family members. The New York State Office of Children and Family Services has a list of risk factors and signs of adult neglect and abuse on its website. You can also find information on the National Institutes on Aging’s If you notice any signs of nursing home abuse or neglect, report the abuse immediately and contact our law firm to discuss your concerns with a New York medical malpractice attorney.
Take Action to Protect Your Loved One
The best way to protect your loved one from medical malpractice in a nursing home is to remain alert and involved. During visits, check for signs of medical malpractice such as unexplained injuries or illnesses. Watch staff members and medical professionals during your visit to note how they treat patients.
Most of all, if you have any suspicions or questions, err on the side of caution by contacting our New York medical malpractice lawyer for a consultation. It is always best to be proactive and cautious when dealing with issues related to nursing home malpractice.