Neglect is a type of abuse committed against a resident living in a facility such as a nursing home, assisted living facility, or group home.  With respect to the elderly, the term “elder abuse” is used, however, residential facilities also care for individuals with chronic health conditions, such as traumatic brain injuries, tracheostomies, dementia, or [...]

If a loved one is the victim of nursing home neglect, it is essential to act immediately. The first step is to report the suspected abuse to the facility’s administration. If the issues you have identified are not being remedied after addressing them with the administrators and staff at the specific facility there are several [...]

Before removing a loved one from a facility, it is important to make alternative arrangements for their care. Some options include moving the resident to another nursing home, finding a home-health service, or hiring a live-in nurse, if possible.

In order to prove negligence, the law requires that the injured person or their legal representative, first show that the caretaker or the facility that caused him or her an injury owed a duty of care. A duty of care can either be something that is required by the law when it is written in [...]

Yes. Medical records are often one of the most important pieces of evidence in any lawsuit where an injury has been suffered and are essential for any attorney to review in determining whether a case for nursing home negligence should be pursued.

Your family member’s medical records are protected by HIPAA, a privacy law. In order to request medical records, your loved one must either sign a HIPAA authorization form allowing either you or their attorney to obtain the medical records, or you may do so yourself if you are an authorized personal representative. Following the submission [...]

Every case is unique and the outcome of the case depends on many different factors. In some instances, a case may settle prior to the filing of any formal lawsuit if a nursing home’s liability and the injuries suffered are clear. In other instances, pretrial work such as the exchange of discovery, depositions, and expert [...]

Yes. There are two types of damages that can be paid to someone who is injured at a nursing home, assisted living facility, or group home. Legally, these damages are known as economic damages and noneconomic damages. Economic damages are financial losses including medical expenses due to the harm or injury suffered. Noneconomic damages include [...]

Signs of abuse and neglect can include physical injuries such as unusual or recurrent bruises or broken bones; unexplained falls; bedsores; dehydration or malnourishment; or poor hygiene. It’s important to watch for signs of emotional, psychological or even sexual abuse including seclusion or isolation, withdrawal, fear, crying or other unusual behaviors.

Medical professionals use a 4 stage scale to describe and monitor pressure sores, also called bed sores, pressure ulcers, decubitus ulcers, or pressure wounds. By categorizing pressure sores according to standardized characteristics, there can be a sense of uniformity among medical facilities that treat people with pressure ulcers. Bed sores are categorized based on their [...]