When To File A Nursing Home Negligence Suit

By Kristen Baird


Growing older holds a lot of fear for many people. One of the most frightening is being place in a long term care facility by doctors or family. Many times the placement can be temporary but for many it is a permanent situation. When cognitive issues arise there is always the fear that a loved one could wander off and get lost or hurt. Other times the level of care needed cannot be reasonably met by family members and placement is necessary. When a chosen facility does not provide adequate care it may become necessary to file a nursing home negligence suit to protect patients in residence.

In Hammond, LA there are several homes to choose from and researching the company is always a smart decision. Internet information can answer many of the concerns you may have such as inspection scores and prior legal actions taken by individuals or families. Nothing can take the place of first hand viewing of the facility and arriving without notice.

Being negligent is another way of abusing the patients in the facility. It can take many forms and may include poor housekeeping practices leaving the patients in dirty beds or clothing, lack of proper medication distribution or a lack of attention to the hydration and nutritional needs of the patients in residence.

If your loved one is cognizant they may be able to tell you about their treatment while in the facility but if they are bed ridden or suffering from dementia or Alzheimer's disease they may not have the capacity to know what to tell you. Being alert for red flag items and behaviors may, in worst case scenario, save the life of your loved one.

If you notice patients in dirty clothing or unexplained bruising on arms or other body parts this should alert you to possible problems. Other signs might take the form of sudden weight loss, loss of cognition, or behavior that appears to be withdrawn or frightened. These obvious signs of neglect may be caused by under staffing by management.

Many problems arise from simple under staffing or lack of training for the staff. Other times it can be intentional abuse inflicted on residents as a form of punishment for their behavior. Some facilities have been found to withhold food and water or lock patients in their rooms as a means of controlling them.

As a patient in one of these facilities you have the right to receive the very best care available. Management is obligated to provide adequately trained staff and in numbers that are able to easily meet the needs of all patients. They must supply supervision for memory impaired persons and enough time with those confined to a bed to assure they are fed, clean and do not become afflicted with bed sores. Activities intended to improve and sustain daily functional independence need to be made available to all residents of the facility.

As a private citizen you have the right to expect proper care of family members in care facilities. If you feel there is neglect or abuse you may wish to move them to another site and contact an attorney with information that includes photographs and written documentation as examples and proof of your concerns.




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