Blum & Associates – Malpractice Law Firm Nursing Home Negligence

Nursing Home Negligence

Nursing home negligence can show itself in many ways, including physical, emotional or neglect. You should heed the following indicators:

Physical Abuse

  • Open wounds, cuts, bruises, welts or discoloration
  • Caretaker cannot adequately explain condition
  • Elder’s sudden change in behavior
  • Weight loss
  • Burns caused by cigarettes, caustic, acids

Emotional Abuse

  • Emotionally upset or agitated
  • Extremely withdrawn and non-communicative
  • Unusual behavior (sucking, biting, rocking)

Neglect

  • Dehydration, malnutrition, pressure sores
  • Poor personal hygiene
  • Begs for food
  • Unsanitary and unclean conditions
  • Dirt, soiled bed, fecal or urine odor
When a nursing home professional fails to prevent the injury and suffering of patients, as their professional duty implies, they can be held liable in a nursing home neglect case. Nursing home neglect can involve any situation where a long-term care patient does not receive the physical, emotional and psychological care necessary to facilitate the highest possible quality of life. When a facility or nursing home professional commits nursing home neglect, the victims have a legal right to seek compensation for their losses and suffering.
While nursing home neglect generally involves failing to provide appropriate patient care, this type of medical malpractice can take a number of forms. Aside from the actual damages nursing home neglect causes, the most frustrating and tragic element of nursing home neglect is that it can be difficult for the patient’s loved ones to recognize neglect. Whether physically unable or held back by emotions, patients may not be able to properly convey their experiences of nursing home neglect to someone who can help.