When our loved ones are no longer able to care for themselves, we count on New Port Richey nursing homes to provide a safe and healthy environment for them. If nursing homes provide substandard care that causes harm to their patients, however, they should be held liable.
A New Port Richey nursing home abuse lawyer could assist if you believe a family member has suffered due to neglect or abuse in a long-term care facility. Your family may be entitled to compensation, and a personal injury lawyer could investigate and explain your options to remedy the situation.
Signs of Potential Nursing Home Abuse
Actionable abuse and negligence in long term care facilities can take many different forms. Abuse is often physical but can also be mental, financial, or emotional as well. Some indications that a loved one may be suffering from nursing home neglect or abuse include:
- Unusual bruises or pressure marks
- Refusal to allow the resident to speak with family without a staff member present
- Unexplained withdrawals from bank accounts
- Signs of dehydration or weight loss
- Dirty clothes or bedding
- Bedsores
- Changes in a will or estate plan
- Receiving incorrect medications
One of the keys to recognizing nursing home abuse and neglect is to compare the current situation with prior behaviors and circumstances. Bruises on the legs might be common for one patient but unusual for another. Similarly, if a patient used to be content around staff members and suddenly begins to show signs of fear, that could be a sign of a problem. A New Port Richey nursing home abuse attorney could help investigate to determine whether a change in physical condition, financial situation, or behavior provides grounds for concern.
Establishing Liability
Nursing homes owe a duty to provide reasonable care to their residents. When they fail to do so, they may be held liable for the resulting harm.
In order to establish liability, a patient needs to demonstrate what the ordinary standard of care should have been, how the nursing home failed to meet that standard, and how the failure caused injuries. Often, a nursing home abuse lawyer in New Port Richey will use expert witnesses to help prove these factors.
How an Attorney Could Help
When many people think of assistance from an attorney, they think lawyers are primarily useful if they want to sue someone to obtain monetary compensation. While that may be the best option in many cases, an attorney can help in many other ways.
In addition to investigating a situation, a lawyer could also negotiate remedies within a nursing home or chain of care providers to create a specialized solution for a problem. If, for instance, difficulties have not caused long term damage, the care provider may agree to make changes to remedy a situation and provide restitution without the fuss of a lawsuit. In cases where the harm is extensive, an attorney may be able to obtain compensation to cover physical needs, such as medical bills, as well as intangible losses, such as pain and suffering.
Contact a New Port Richey Nursing Home Abuse Attorney
If you suspect abuse or neglect in an elder care facility, it is wise to act promptly to investigate the situation. A New Port Richey nursing home abuse lawyer could help protect the rights of the patient while working toward a positive outcome. A free consultation could answer many of your questions and help provide peace of mind. To schedule a consultation to learn more about your legal options, call today.