WHEN TO SEEK THE SERVICES OF A NURSING HOME NEGLIGENCE ATTORNEY

Lack of staff, lack of trained managers, or lack of infrastructure. There can be absolutely no justification for nursing home negligence or abuse; after all, these institutions are entrusted with the specialized care and treatment of individuals who are otherwise unable to take care of themselves and are completely dependent on healthcare institutions for their well-being. But unfortunately, many elderly patients are unable to voice their protest or inform their loved ones of their plight while there are an equal number of people who are not aware of the warning signs of nursing home abuse or negligence. If your loved one is admitted into a healthcare facility, then you should absolutely keep a lookout for the following warning signs and seek the services of a qualified nursing home negligence attorney:

Unjustified Weight Loss: Unexplained weightloss can be the result of inadequate nutrition, dehydration, or an undiagnosed illness. Weight loss can in turn, decrease the immunity levels of a patient making him or her vulnerable to a host of other illnesses.

Bruises and Cuts: Unexplained bruises and cuts are telltale signs of nursing home abuse. Bruises may also indicate sexual abuse. The physical and emotional trauma of nursing home sexual abuse is probably the most painful instance of nursing home negligence and it is imperative that you get in touch with a nursing home negligence attorney immediately to ensure that crucial pieces of evidence are not destroyed by any delay or healing.

Bedsores: You have admitted your loved one to a healthcare facility in the hope of giving him specialized care. Bedsores are clear signs that he is not receiving the care that he should be provided with. You should also keep an eye out for other signs of neglect such as dirty clothes for your loved one, soiled bedding, and filthy surroundings.

Slip and Fall Accidents: Serious and/or regular slip and fall accidents are signs that a patient in a nursing home is not being adequately attended to and is case enough for you to hire the services of a nursing home attorney who can collect and analyze the required evidence to make a strong case.

Restraints: Physical and chemical restraints not only constitute instances of nursing home abuse but also are regarded as a violation of the rights of a patient by restricting his freedom of movement. Unfortunately, the use of leg and arm restraints, bed rails, hand mitts, cuffs, wheelchair safety bars, and administering sedatives are all too common practices in many nursing homes.

Defending the Weak

Now that you know what constitutes nursing home abuse and how important it is to not only collect evidence pointing to it but also to decipher these telltale signs, keep the contact details of a nursing home negligence attorney handy, should you or an acquaintance need it to fight for the justice of someone who cannot do so himself or herself.