When you find a nursing home for your loved one, you expect staff members to provide compassionate and quality care. Federal and state laws establish minimum standards of care that nursing homes and long-term care facilities must follow or risk losing their operating license. Unfortunately, abuse and neglect continue to pose a danger to residents in nursing homes across the country.
When a staff member’s actions cause a resident to sustain physical, psychological, or financial injuries, the resident and their family could have cause for pursuing a personal injury claim. A Bellaire nursing home abuse lawyer could walk you through your options and help you pursue fair compensation.
Potential Signs of Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect
Abuse and neglect are two different forms of dangerous mistreatment that occur in nursing homes. While abuse is the intentional infliction of harm, neglect is the deliberate or unintentional failure to provide the residents with an appropriate standard of care. Some potential signs of nursing home abuse or neglect include:
- Sudden changes in behavior, such as depression, withdrawal, or aggression
- Pressure ulcers, also called bedsores, that develop from laying in one position for long periods
- Unexplained injuries such as cuts, bruises, or wounds
- Lack of hygiene, such as unkempt clothing
- Significant weight loss and dehydration
- Missing money or personal items
Some signs of neglect or abuse are easy to spot, while others may not be as obvious. Anyone who notices any of these warning signs or other indications of nursing home abuse should reach out to a Bellaire lawyer immediately.
Nursing Homes Have a Duty to Provide the Highest Standard of Care
In response to the high rate of nursing home neglect and abuse, the federal and state governments have enforced laws designed to ensure these facilities provide an appropriate standard of care. In particular, Texas Health and Safety Code § 242.001 establishes that institutions must provide residents with the highest quality of care. The centers must meet or exceed the minimum standards described in these regulations, such as a high standard of caregiver professionalism. The minimum standards of care also include providing a safe environment and comprehensive care plans for residents.
Many nursing homes do not have enough staff members to provide appropriate care for every resident. Facilities may also not be providing their staff members with effective and comprehensive training. Both understaffing and a lack of training are major issues in nursing homes and the most common factors leading to the mistreatment of residents. A lawyer in Bellaire could gather evidence proving a nursing home failed to comply with federal and state legislation and should be liable for harm to its residents.
Meet With a Dedicated Bellaire Nursing Home Abuse Attorney
Thousands of residents live in nursing homes and long-term care facilities nationwide. Unfortunately, abuse and neglect are a significant cause for concern. Nursing homes that do mistreat residents should be held accountable for their negligence. However, proving that the staff or facility is committing wrongful acts is complex and requires a thorough understanding of the law.
An experienced and compassionate Bellaire nursing home abuse lawyer could help you through the process of taking legal action to protect your loved one and other residents from harm. Schedule your free initial consultation today to get started.
