Medical Malpractice in Nursing Homes

Many people associate nursing homes with elder care, but most nursing home residents are short-stay patients who have recently been in the hospital. Medical malpractice is particularly prevalent in this setting. Nursing homes are required to meet certain federal standards, which are enforced by state agencies that inspect the homes regularly. If a violation is found, the facility can be fined. If the violation is deemed egregious, the facility could be closed.

Nursing home residents are particularly vulnerable to medical malpractice because they are extremely dependent on others for their care and well-being. Both members of this dependency relationship—caregivers and patients—have rights that should be protected through legal representation. If you believe that a nursing home resident has been the victim of medical malpractice, it is important to report this and seek compensation.

Medical Malpractice Claims in Nursing Homes: A Closer Look

Nursing homes can be sued for a wide range of negligent behaviors, including:

Failure to provide adequate training

Staff members need proper training on how to perform their jobs and provide care to patients. Failure to train or properly train staff members can lead to neglect, which is a form of malpractice.

Unsafe practices

Nursing homes need to establish and follow certain safety protocols in order to prevent accidents such as bedsores, malnutrition, dehydration, and physical injuries.

Failure to meet individual patient needs

Nursing homes need to provide treatment plans for every patient. The care plan should outline what needs to be done and by whom. If a nursing home fails in this regard, it could lead to an unsafe environment where patients are not receiving proper care.

Negligence during surgery

Any surgery that is performed in a healthcare or medical facility is considered an in-patient procedure. If a patient is injured during surgery, they could have a medical malpractice claim. Since surgeries are often high risk, there is an increased chance that mistakes will be made either by the surgeon or other parties involved in the procedure.

Symptoms of Medical Negligence & Nursing Home Abuse

The signs of medical or nursing home abuse and neglect can be difficult to recognize. Many times, there are no physical symptoms of this type of maltreatment. However, common signs include:

  • Weight loss
  • Bedsores, including pressure ulcers and decubitus ulcerations
  • Malnutrition and dehydration
  • Physical injuries such as fractures and lacerations that have not been properly treated
  • A lack of treatment for medical conditions such as diabetes and pneumonia
  • Injuries from falls, including broken bones and hip fractures

If you or a loved one has experienced any of these signs or symptoms, it is important to speak with a professional right away. Not only is this type of maltreatment inexcusable, but in some cases, it can lead to death.

Get Help From Medical Malpractice Lawyers

If you feel that a nursing home resident of yours has been the victim of medical malpractice, do not hesitate to contact CMG Law today. Our legal professionals can help you secure compensation for your financial losses and get justice for your loved one. We only work with clients on a contingency basis, which means that you will not have to pay us unless we get results.…