When we entrust the care of a loved one to a nursing home, we expect that they will receive the highest level of care and attention. Unfortunately, that is not always the case, and nursing home injuries can occur due to neglect or abuse. As a law firm dedicated to representing victims of nursing home injuries, we want to ensure that families understand what these injuries are and what steps can be taken if they occur.
What are Nursing Home Injuries?
Nursing home injuries can take many forms, ranging from minor to severe. Some common types of injuries that occur in nursing homes include:
- Falls: Elderly residents are at a higher risk of falling, and nursing homes must protect them from falls.
- Pressure Sores: These are also known as bedsores and develop when a resident is left in the same position for too long.
- Malnutrition: When nursing home staff fail to provide residents with adequate food and water, malnutrition can result.
- Medication Errors: Residents may receive the wrong medication or dosage, causing adverse reactions or medication-related injuries.
- Physical Abuse: This can include hitting, slapping, pushing, or any other physical harm inflicted on a resident by staff.
What to Do About Nursing Home Injuries?
If you suspect that your loved one has suffered a nursing home injury, there are several steps you can take:
- Seek medical attention: This should always be your first step. Even if the injury seems minor, it's important to have a medical professional evaluate your loved one's condition.
- Document the injury: Take photos and videos of the injuries and gather any other relevant evidence, such as witness statements or medical records.
- Report the injury: Notify the nursing home administrators and, if necessary, the appropriate authorities about the injury.
- Contact an attorney: A nursing home injury attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options for pursuing compensation.
Preventative Measures for Nursing Home Injuries
While it's impossible to prevent nursing home injuries completely, some steps can be taken to reduce the likelihood of them occurring. These preventative measures include:
- Performing background checks on all nursing home staff to ensure they have no history of abuse or neglect.
- Properly training and supervising all staff members to ensure they provide adequate care and attention to residents.
- Providing residents with proper medical treatment and medication management.
- Providing residents with a safe and clean environment to prevent injuries such as falls.
Atlanta Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers
At Goldstein Hayes & Lina, LLC, we have decades of experience helping clients navigate the nursing home injury claims process. If you believe your loved one has suffered a nursing home injury, contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can help you.