how can habush nursing home abuse attorneys help
In situations of abuse or neglect where the individual is not in imminent danger, it makes sense to contact a nursing home attorney who can help you navigate the procedures and regulations that protect you or your loved one. An experienced nursing home abuse attorney will guide you and your loved one through every step.
The nursing home abuse lawyers of Habush Habush & Rottier are here to help you with your nursing home or hospice facility malpractice claim.
To discuss the details of your situation, contact with us today:
why choose HABUSH for YOUR nursing home abuse CASE
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We have more National Board of Trial Advocacy certified trial lawyers than any other fire in the United States
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Over the last 90 years our firm has recovered billions of dollars in compensation for our clients. More than all other Wisconsin firms combined.
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We will never rush to settle your case, and there are no upfront fees, so we don’t get paid unless you do.
3 signs of nursing home abuse or neglect
There are a few warning signs you can watch for to protect your loved ones from nursing home abuse or neglect.
1. Changes in general well-being to be aware of:
- Dehydration
- Malnutrition or unexplained weight loss or weight gain
- Frequent infections
- Unmet medical needs (like scheduled doses or missed appointments)
- Poor hygiene or unclean conditions
- Dirty clothing or bed sheets
2. Physical signs of nursing home abuse to be aware of:
- Bed injuries like bedsores (pressure ulcers), side rail injuries, or even strangulation
- Reports of falling or evidence of past falls (indicating the resident is not receiving appropriate assistance moving around, getting out of the bed, using the bathroom)
- Unexplained broken bones or fractures, bruises, cuts or welts (these may be at various stages of healing)
- Head injuries
3. Social or behavioral changes that may indicate nursing home abuse:
- Inadequate time for socialization
- Withdrawal from social interactions or refusal to speak
- Emotional outbursts or new changes in behavior
- Nurses or caregivers refusing to allow the patient to be alone with loved ones or the resident appears reluctant to speak in caregiver’s presence
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN NURSING HOME ABUSE AND NEGLECT?
If a caregiver is intentionally harming a patient, that is nursing home abuse. Abuse often involves denying patient’s needs such as: food, water, and medical treatment. It can also include physical and financial harm.
Nursing home neglect is unintentional failures by the caregiver. Examples of neglect are: failing to follow the patients or resident’s care plan, ignoring calls for assistance, failing to maintain the patient’s hygiene, or otherwise failing to meet a social, physical, or emotional needs.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU SUSPECT NURSING HOME ABUSE OR NEGLECT?
If the resident in question is in immediate danger, please contact your local authorities to safely remove them from the situation and provide appropriate care.
After contacting local authorities, contact the Division of Quality Assurance (DQA) to report a violation or misconduct. Doing so will trigger an investigation into the facility. You can also call the toll-free number 1-800-642-6552 to file a complaint. Leave a voicemail message, and your call will be returned by the next working day.
WHAT Causes Nursing Home Abuse?
Nursing home and hospice facilities should provide patients with the attention, care, and medical treatment they deserve. Unfortunately, malpractice may still occur. Causes include:
- Failure to hire and train qualified medical professionals
- Negligence of the duties promised to the residents and their families
- Failure to adequately staff the facility to handle the needs of its residents
- Attempts to cut corners on care and support in order to make more money
- Failure to properly screen potential employees and provide a safe living environment
Although it is horrifying to consider, too many facilities do not keep up with residents’ medical, emotional and personal needs. Nursing home and long-term care facilities’ shortfalls cause residents to suffer illness or unnecessary pain and suffering.
The four most common types of abuse in nursing homes include preventative falls, choking, medication errors, malnutrition and dehydration. If you’d like to learn more, connect with a qualified member of our legal team and discuss the details of your situation regarding nursing home abuse or neglect.