A Chicago nursing home is facing more than $100,000 in penalties for failing to monitor five of their residents who overdosed on drugs.
While many people may typically think of physical abuse as being the major reason for bringing legal action against a nursing home, there are actually a host of other occurrences that can trigger such action. We’ll share a few here.
Elder Abuse is Extensive
With more than 500,000 elder Americans (over the age of 60) being abused or neglected every year, it’s difficult to deny there’s a problem going on. Perhaps even more disturbing is the fact that many of the victims are abused in nursing homes staffed with professionals who have been hired and trained to support and protect their residents.
Other Actions That Can Lead to Lawsuits
In a previous blog entry, we spoke of how to recognize signs of emotional and physical abuse among nursing home residents.
Other actions that can endanger the residents and be grounds for legal action, including:
- Failing to keep the facility reasonably safe and free of potential hazards (preventing slip and fall accidents, stopping residents from harming one another, leaving cleaning carts filled with chemicals unlocked, etc.)
- Negligent hiring and training of staff who end up harming the residents
- Poor supervision of residents who have fallen and injured themselves
- Failing to follow health and safety policy requirements, including keeping resident rooms and common areas (dining hall, etc.) clean and sanitary
- Not providing adequate medical treatment on site or not seeking medical attention for residents in a timely manner or providing medical care that is substandard
What To Do If You Suspect Elder Abuse in a Nursing Home
If you have reason to suspect that a nursing home resident is being abused, neglected or placed at risk, call 911 or use the Eldercare Locator site (800-677-1116) to make your report.
After alerting the authorities, do not contact the nursing home administrators. Remember, their first priority is their business, so they may offer compensation in exchange for your signature absolving them of responsibility. DO NOT DO THIS!
Instead, get in touch with an experienced and skilled attorney who knows the elderly abuse laws.
Here at the Fitzgerald Law Firm, we understand the horror that is involved with situations where older people are abused or neglected and have been able to secure strong verdicts and proper compensation for our clients.
Call us at 800-323-9900; the first appointment is always free.