Nursing homes in Georgia should provide quality care to residents, but too often they suffer abuse and neglect. At Gautreaux Law, we understand the gravity of nursing home neglect and its impact on residents. We are committed to advocating for victims and their families and holding negligent parties accountable.
If you or a loved one has experienced nursing home neglect, we are here to help. When you meet with us, we will listen to your concerns, choose the best course of action, and protect your rights. Contact us today for a confidential consultation.
Understanding Nursing Home Neglect In Georgia
Nursing home neglect occurs when employees fail to supervise and properly care for residents, resulting in harm or injury. Such neglect can manifest in several ways, including:
- Falls – Nursing home falls can result from wet and slippery floors, beds that are too high, failures to assist residents in walking, and poorly fitted wheelchairs. These conditions may result in broken bones, head injuries, or other bodily harm. Notably, the facility is required to establish a care plan to determine the level of assistance a resident will need to move around safely. Properly trained personnel must be on hand to help patients walk and prevent falls.
- Bedsores – Bedridden patients must be regularly turned, kept clean and dry, and provided with proper hydration and nourishment to avoid developing bed sores, also called pressure ulcers, which can be extremely painful and result in life-threatening complications such as severe infections.
- Wandering/elopement – Nursing home patients suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease require close supervision so they don’t wander away from the facility and suffer serious or fatal injuries.
- Malnutrition and dehydration – Failing to provide a nursing home resident with adequate food and water is a heinous form of neglect that can result in malnutrition and dehydration and cause undue pain and suffering and wrongful death.
- Medication errors – Doctors and nurses who fail to review a resident’s history or become distracted may administer the wrong medication or dosage.
Signs of Nursing Home Neglect
Recognizing signs of nursing home negligence is crucial. Look out for:
- Unexplained injuries, bruises, or bed sores
- Sudden weight loss
- Withdrawal or sudden change in behavior
- Poor hygiene and living conditions
- Staff reluctance to allow visits
- Lack of proper medical care
Understanding these signs can help you act swiftly and protect your loved one.
The Responsibilities of Nursing Homes
Nursing homes owe residents a duty of care to ensure a safe, supportive, and dignified living environment. Nursing homes must prioritize the physical and emotional welfare of each resident, acknowledging and respecting their individual needs.
One fundamental aspect of this duty is the provision of adequate and appropriate medical attention. Nursing homes are expected to have qualified medical staff available to address residents’ health concerns promptly. This includes administering medications as prescribed, monitoring residents’ health status, and promptly responding to emergencies.
Beyond medical care, nursing homes must foster an environment that promotes residents’ mental and emotional well-being. This involves offering social and recreational activities, ensuring residents have opportunities for social interaction, and addressing their emotional needs. Negligence in this regard can lead to not only physical but also emotional suffering.
Moreover, nursing homes are obligated to maintain a clean and safe living space. This includes regular cleaning, proper sanitation, and addressing any hazards promptly. Failure to meet these standards not only compromises the physical health of residents but can also indicate a broader pattern of negligence.
Why are nursing home residents neglected?
Nursing homes, often operated by profit-driven corporations, prioritize financial outcomes, sometimes at the expense of resident well-being. This focus on the bottom line can lead to a reduction in staff numbers or the hiring of inadequately trained personnel, placing patients in situations where supervision is compromised. Tragically, the consequences of nursing home neglect frequently remain hidden until a serious injury or even a fatality occurs.
Compounding this issue, residents with mental impairments face an additional barrier to seeking help—they may lack the ability to communicate instances of neglect or abuse. Similarly, elderly individuals, whether weakened by illness or gripped by fear of reprisal from their caregivers, may be reluctant to ask for help.
The consequences of nursing home neglect extend beyond physical harm. Victims may suffer emotionally, leading to a diminished quality of life. From a legal perspective, nursing homes may face severe penalties and lawsuits for failing in their duty of care. At Gautreaux Law, we are dedicated to holding these facilities accountable and seeking compensation for the victims.
How Gautreaux Law Can Help
Our attorneys know how to fight back against nursing homes that attempt to deny liability for neglecting residents. Although these corporations have powerful teams of attorneys and an unfair advantage over injured residents and their families, we have the skills and experience to level the playing field. You can depend on us to fight to obtain just compensation for the harm your loved one has endured.
If you have lost a family member due to nursing home neglect, we can help you file a wrongful death lawsuit to recover damages for final medical expenses, funeral and burial expenses, and other losses. No amount of money can justify your loss, but responsible parties must be held to account and their misconduct brought to light.
Above all, we are committed to protecting the most vulnerable members of our society, holding nursing homes accountable for neglect, and preventing future harm to other residents. Trust us to provide you with the compassionate representation you need and the personalized attention you deserve.
Talk To An Experienced Georgia Nursing Home Neglect Lawyer Today
Nursing home neglect is a serious issue demanding attention and action. Recognizing the signs, understanding your legal rights, and choosing the right representation are essential. If you or a loved one has suffered due to neglect or abuse, turn to Gautreaux Law. Your well-being is our priority. Call us today.