People who require consistent medical treatment move to nursing homes or other assisted living facilities for round-the-clock care. It is only right that these individuals be treated with the utmost respect. In fact, a collection of state laws requires nursing facilities to protect the rights and safety of their residents by shielding them from the abusive actions of staff members. A nursing home that fails to provide adequate protection to its residents has violated state law and should be held liable for any resulting damages.
A Carpentersville nursing home abuse lawyer may be able to help residents of nursing homes and their families pursue civil claims against negligent nursing homes. A dedicated personal injury attorney could identify the signs of abuse and build a strong case against a nursing home that demands appropriate compensation for a resident’s physical and mental injuries.
What Constitutes Abuse in a Nursing Home?
Nursing home abuse in Carpentersville can occur in one of two ways. The most common form of abuse results from negligence or lack of attention toward an older adult. A staff member who does not provide proper help in the shower or does not ensure that a resident gets out of bed safely may have neglected a patient. Other common injuries that result from staff negligence include bedsores, malnutrition, dehydration, and social isolation. Many of the resulting injuries from this type of abuse can severely affect a resident’s health.
The other source of nursing home abuse is intentional acts of violence. Unfortunately, nursing homes often hire employees who enjoy having control over elderly patients. When most nursing home residents cannot care for their own needs, these staff members are likely to inflict serious physical and emotional damage on them. Any unexplained injury or change in demeanor should prompt family members to ask important questions concerning the well-being of their loved ones. A knowledgeable attorney could help individuals identify nursing home neglect and help document the abuse properly.
Recovering Compensation After Neglect in a Nursing Home
The law provides powerful protections for residents in assisted living facilities. As a result, a first step in seeking justice following nursing home abuse is to evaluate a resident’s experiences and how they compare with the Residents’ Rights under state law. These rights include freedom from intentional harm or abuse of staff members.
However, an injured resident or their family must pursue a civil claim for damages to obtain compensation. Nursing homes have a duty to provide care to their residents and oversee the actions of their employees. A failure to properly manage those workers that results in an instance of abuse can make that nursing home responsible for any damages.
A civil claim can demand payments for the costs of any needed medical care, emotional trauma, or loss in quality of life that results from intentional or accidental abuse. A diligent lawyer in Carpentersville could help seek justice following instances of nursing home abuse and get a resident and their family the compensation they deserve.
Speak with a Carpentersville Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Immediately
Nursing home patients are in a vulnerable position. They are likely living in these facilities because they cannot care for their day-to-day needs and often rely on staff members for even the most mundane activities. If these workers are unwilling or unable to provide competent care, accidents can result in devastating injuries.
Whenever these abuse instances occur, injured residents and their families have the right to seek compensation to cover the costs of needed medical care, emotional trauma, and lost quality of life. A Carpentersville nursing home abuse attorney could help evaluate a neglect claim and demand proper compensation from all liable parties. Contact an attorney today to discuss your case.