Help for victims of nursing home abuse and neglect

Unfortunately, injuries and death can occur in nursing homes. Recent studies indicate that 90 percent of nursing homes are understaffed. Because nearly two million Americans live in nursing homes, this is serious concern that can lead to significant harm for residents.

Fortunately, personal injury legal protections are available to help residents, families and victims of nursing home abuse and neglect. Personal injury legal protections can help victims recover compensation for the physical, financial and emotional damages suffered because of nursing home negligence which might include medical or funeral expenses, pain and suffering damages and other types of damages as well. Nursing homes and nursing home staff may be liable for the harm suffered by victims.

When nursing homes are improperly and inadequately staffed, residents can suffer dehydration, malnutrition, bedsores and medication errors. Nursing home abuse and neglect can result in a variety of differing types of harm including bedsores; improper or excessive medication; malnutrition and dehydration; sepsis and infection; aspiration pneumonia; peritonitis and improper feeding tube placement; UTIs and other infections; wounds and infestations; sexual abuse of residents; and falls. Nursing homes and nursing home staff can also be liable for fraudulent charting.

Nursing home abuse and neglect can cause serious harm to vulnerable residents and their families who have entrusted the care of their loved ones to nursing homes and nursing home staff. As a result, it is essential for victims of nursing home abuse and neglect, and their families, to be familiar with the legal protections available to them.