If Something Does Not Seem Right, It Probably Is Not Right
Humphrey, Farrington & McClain is recognized as one of the nation's prominent personal injury law firms. For more than a quarter century we have provided intelligent, effective legal representation for clients who come to us with concerns about harm that has come to their loved ones in a nursing home.
Nursing homes are required to follow specific regulations regarding physical and emotional care of residents. If you suspect that something is not right about the level of care your elderly or infirm loved one is receiving in a nursing home, talk to an experienced nursing home negligence litigation attorney. Our trial attorneys have an excellent record of achieving verdicts and settlements in complex cases involving owner liability, staff negligence and resident abuse. Let Humphrey, Farrington & McClain use our experience to protect your loved one's rights.
What Constitutes Nursing Home Negligence?
- Medical treatment: A nursing home staff is required to monitor the medical needs of every resident and treat conditions according to the resident's prescribed treatment and medication plan. In addition, staff members are required to report concerns about a patient's medical condition or the onset of an illness. The failure to monitor and treat appropriately may be considered negligence.
- Nutrition: Patients typically register a dietary plan when they enter a nursing home. Failure to follow the plan, or any incidence of malnutrition or dehydration may be considered negligence on the part of staff.
- Sanitary conditions: Bed sores and other types of pressure ulcers are a common concern for residents who remain bed-ridden much of their day. Failure to change sheets and tend to the sanitary care of residents is a breach of responsibility.
- Injuries from falls: As people age, bones become brittle and break easily. Taking any kind of fall or hard bump may readily lead to a broken hip, leg or other fracture. Nursing homes have a responsibility to ensure fragile residents are supervised when moving about and have necessary support to prevent a serious fall.
- Assault: Physical and sexual assault by staff and residents is one of the most common issues of negligence and abuse at nursing homes. Frustrated staff members often forget they are dealing with a fragile body. Pushing, pulling or shoving a resident is assault. Elderly residents often get frustrated with their living conditions and act out aggressively against other residents during an argument or altercation. Staff members have a legal responsibility to supervise staff and prevent physical abuse.
- Wandering off, elopement: Nursing home residents with Alzheimer's or dementia become easily confused and wander off grounds, often in an effort to return to their family and home. Staff members are responsible for supervising all residents and preventing elopement.
- Mental and emotional abuse: Nursing homes must never forget that they are caring for vulnerable human beings who deserve respect from staff members, residents and guests. Yelling, threats and scare tactics to modify or control behavior is abusive.
Learn More At Our Nursing Home Injuries Practice Center
If you suspect abuse, talk to an experienced personal injury lawyer at our firm right away. From our offices in Independence, Missouri, our lawyers represent clients in the Kansas City metropolitan area, in communities throughout Missouri, Kansas, and the United States.
Contact us to arrange a free consultation.
