Nursing Home Abuse

The Nursing Home/Elder Abuse Attorneys at Lannom & Williams are experienced in protecting the rights of the elderly.

Placing a loved one in a nursing home is a difficult decision for anyone involved. The elderly is the fastest growing segment of the U.S. population, however, so this is becoming amore and more frequent decision facing Americans today. We all hope and expect that when we make that decision, our loved ones will be treated with the care, dignity, and respect they deserve.

Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Many nursing homes lack adequate funding, have inadequate staff levels, and employ staff members who are undertrained. Problems are further complicated because many elderly residents are unwilling or afraid to report neglect or abuse.

If you or a loved one has suffered from neglect or abuse in a nursing home, the Nursing Home/Elder Abuse Lawyers at Lannom & Williams are here to help.

Nursing home neglect includes:

• Failing to assist with personal hygiene
• Failing to provide appropriate clothing, food, and shelter
• Failing to provide appropriate medical care
• Failing to prevent or treat malnutrition and dehydration
• Failing to prevent falls

Signs of nursing home abuse includes:

• Developing bed sores and ulcers
• Excessive and/or rapid weight loss
• Broken bones and/or unexplained falls
• Open wounds, cuts, bruises, or welts
• Unexplained or unexpected death
• Injuries resulting from restraint or lack of restraint

It is important that you immediately document and report any suspected negligence or abuse to which you think you or a loved one may have been a victim. Put the report in writing, date it, and keep a copy. Make your report to the facility's administrator, director of nursing, and social worker.

Residents Rights

Our loved ones also have patient rights under State and Federal laws. The nursing home must list and give all new residents a copy of these rights. They include the right to be treated with dignity and respect, to be informed about services and fees, to manage their own money or choose someone else to do it for them, to have privacy and keep and use personal belongings and property to the extent it does not interfere with the rights, health or safety of others, and to be informed about their medical condition and medications, to see their own doctor, and to refuse medications and treatments.

If you believe you or a member of your family has been the victim of nursing home abuse, neglect, or injury Lannom & Williams can help. Contact us today for a FREE evaluation of your nursing home injury, neglect, or abuse case.