Nursing Home Abuse
 Nursing home abuse is a shockingly common crime. A Congressional report in 2001 cited one third of nursing homes for abuse, and in the United States, approximately one million senior citizens are abused in some manner every year. Nursing home abuse can be found in different forms such as: physical; emotional; sexual; psychological distress; malnutrition; financial exploitation; or simple negligence. It is estimated that in 2007, the demand for beds in nursing homes will far outweigh the supply. With more and more elderly people going to live in nursing homes, nursing home abuse statistics are expected to reach very alarming levels.
Under the law, nursing home residents have patient rights and certain protections essential to their health and safety, such as sufficient food, shelter, clothing, supervision and medical care. When a loved one has been a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, you need a qualified and experienced law firm that will work hard to protect your loved one's rights. We must do our best to prevent any of the following types of abuse and neglect which might result in a lawsuit:
- Bruises, black eyes, lacerations and welts
- Sprains, dislocations and internal injuries
- Falls and broken bones
- Physical and chemical restraints
- Malnourishment or dehydration
- Improper, wrong or over-medication
- Bed sores
- Signs of restraint
- Cuts, open wounds and wounds in various stages of healing
- Broken eyeglasses
- Sudden change in behavior
- Lack of supervision (allowing residents to wander away from the facility)
- Physical abuse or unexplained injury
- Weight gain or loss
- Gangrene
- Aspiration pneumonia
- Theft of money and personal property
- Unexpected or wrongful death
- Unsanitary conditions
- Abandonment
- Substandard medical care
- Poor personal hygiene
- Defective equipment
- Sexual assault
Before proceeding with litigation, a review of the medical records is critical. All available family members, friends and witnesses should be interviewed to determine if there is any additional information regarding the elder’s treatment or documents which will assist in evaluation. This should include inquiries regarding complaints and/or third party investigations by governmental authorities. Because most victims in nursing home cases are long past the stage of earning wages and often have short life spans, analysis of these cases is different. Important factors which may impact the amount of damages that may be recovered include the conduct of the nursing home, whether a pattern of neglect can be shown and whether injuries from the nursing home’s negligence can be distinguished from the resident’s existing disease process.
Holland & Lamoureux, P.A. is committed to upholding the quality of care in our long-term care institutions by taking swift legal action to compensate nursing home residents and their families for injuries resulting from neglect or inadequate care. Only this way will the quality of care for all residents be assured. If you feel that a loved one has been victimized by medical malpractice while in the care of a senior citizen facility, call Holland & Lamoureux, P.A. now at (866) 225-4907. The initial consultation is free of charge, and if we agree to accept your case, we will work on a contingent fee basis, which means we get paid for our services only if there is a monetary award or recovery of funds. Don’t delay. You may have a valid claim and be entitled to compensation for your injuries, but a lawsuit must be filed before the statute of limitations expires.
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Jason F. Lamoureux