Those with elderly parents often face the difficult decision of whether to place their loved one in a nursing home or attempt to provide home care. Many opt for the former, and spend a great deal of time and money selecting an institution they feel is appropriate. These families often consider the nursing home’s atmosphere, reputation, resident activities, quality of care, and safety. Yet, a lapse in the required reasonable standard of care given to residents can happen in any nursing home and can cause serious Personal injury or death.
One woman’s estate is suing a nursing home after it allegedly failed to treat the deceased for several conditions, including a stroke. According to the claim, the nursing home and its staff failed to notify the woman’s power of attorney and her physician when the resident started physically deteriorating, which was evidenced by vomiting and gastrointestinal disorders. By the time the woman’s power of attorney became aware of her condition, she was taken to the hospital where she was diagnosed with a stroke. She died a few months later. The claim also alleges the nursing home failed to provide adequate nutrition and hydration, failed to treat and monitor a urinary tract infection, and failed to transfer her to the hospital.
Nursing Home Neglect causes many injuries and deaths every year. Those who are injured may face emotional trauma and physical pain, and they may also be hit with additional medical expenses. Families who lose a loved one to one of these incidences may also be emotionally harmed. By filing a nursing home neglect lawsuit against the institution, a victim can seek to punish unsafe practices while recovering compensation for damages.
Bedsores, a fall, rapid weight loss, and unexplained bruising can all be signs of nursing home neglect or nursing home abuse. A lawyer experienced with nursing home neglect can assess the injury, the circumstances surrounding the injury, and the applicable law to determine whether or not a negligence lawsuit is likely to succeed. If the victim or her family decides to move forward with a lawsuit, then the attorney will develop an aggressive case in support of the victim or family’s position.
With a successful outcome, the victim or her family may obtain monetary awards for economic and noneconomic harms while at the same time punishing those who have acted negligently. Perhaps then the nursing home will implement more safety measures to better protect current and future patients.
Source: The Madison-St. Clair Record, “Nursing home sued for allegedly failing to treat woman,” Kelly Holleran, Sept. 25, 2013
