Nursing home negligence and elderly abuse is occurring throughout this country at alarming levels. Families trust and rely on nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities to protect and care for their loved ones. When this trust is broken because of nursing home negligence or elder abuse, the entire family suffers as a result. Elderly residents and dependent adults are at the mercy of the entire staff in a nursing home, because they are too old or in poor mental or physical shape to stand up for themselves should negligence or abuse occur.
Nursing home negligence and elderly abuse cases have become such a frightening statistic that many states have added statutes to provide additional protection for the elderly and dependent adults. Although this does not prevent abuse, the purpose was to deter abuse, especially with stiff penalties for wrongful death from elderly abuse or nursing home negligence. California is one of those states that allow a family to recover non-economic damages and pain and suffering the victim went through before dying, as a result of elder abuse or nursing home negligence.
Assisted living facilities and nursing homes have a duty to provide their residents with reasonable care. Proper food, medical care, and a hygienic environment are required. If a nursing home fails to meet these conditions, they may be liable for negligence.
What are the signs of nursing home negligence or nursing home abuse?
Family members may not even notice the signs of negligence or abuse. They may simply place the blame on old age or the natural worsening of a medical condition instead. These may be signs of physical or mental abuse taking place in the nursing home, assisted nursing facility, or with an assisted care giver:
Any medical needs not being attended to. These can include bed sores or unexplained weight loss. Also suspicious broken bones, cuts, bruises, sprains, burns and other unexplained injuries
Unsanitary conditions, including unsanitary facilities, dirty clothes, or food that is not safe to eat
Dehydration, poor hygiene, malnutrition
Your loved one complaining about abuse or neglect
If you suspect a loved one is the victim of nursing home negligence or elder abuse, please contact an experienced nursing home abuse lawyer right away. Dependent adults and the elderly require the strongest protection from abuse and neglect.