Gastonia, North Carolina Nursing Home Injury Lawyers
A disturbing recent report found that elder abuse occurs in approximately 30% of all nursing homes in the U.S. In as many as one in three nursing homes, elders may suffer physical, sexual, or verbal abuse. Elders in these homes may suffer from untreated bed sores, improper medical care, malnutrition, dehydration, improper sanitation, or accidents. Residents of nursing homes are often vulnerable and reliant on care providers to attend to their daily needs. When these care providers fail to follow through on their basic duties, individuals can be injured or worse. There are many different types of nursing home negligence and abuse. Families may not be aware that their loved one is being neglected until it is too late. If your loved one has suffered from nursing home negligence, it is important to understand how to protect your rights. A Gastonia NC nursing home injury can review your case, help you report negligence, and assist you in seeking compensation for any injuries or losses your loved one sustained. Contact J. Boyce Garland, Jr., Attorney at Law to learn more.
Signs of Nursing Home Neglect
The sad reality is that nursing home neglect can go on for days, weeks, and months without the family’s knowledge. No one wants their loved one to suffer nursing home neglect or abuse. Here are some warning signs and risk factors families can watch for:
- Weight loss in a loved one, without medical explanation
- Bed sores
- Fall injuries
- Withdrawal without medical explanation
- Unexplained injuries
- Broken bones or sprains
- Prescription drug overdose
- Trouble breathing or choking on food
- Broken eyeglasses or missing eyeglasses
- Caregivers refusing to let you see your loved one alone
- Unsanitary conditions, broken floors, or unrepaired premises
- Improper clothing for weather
- Soiled bed sheets
- Poor hygiene
- Overcrowding
- Sudden staff turnover
- Lack of stable staff
If you notice any of these changes, it is important to listen to your loved one and speak to your loved one. Concerns can sometimes be addressed directly. If you suspect that your loved one is being abused or neglected, you should report the neglect immediately and take steps to make sure your loved one is safe. Finally, if your loved one has suffered injuries as a result of nursing home abuse, you and your family may be entitled to receive compensation for medical expenses, rehabilitation, lost wages, and pain and suffering. J. Boyce Garland, Jr. is an experienced Gastonia nursing home abuse lawyer who may be able to help.
Common Nursing Home Injuries in Gastonia North Carolina
Nursing homes have a responsibility to promote and protect the health of their residents. Caregivers should make sure that residents receive proper medical care and attention, that residents take their prescription medications as needed, and that premises are safe for residents. Nursing home neglect can be difficult to spot, especially in the early stages. In some cases, families don’t learn about problems until injuries have been already sustained. Common nursing home injuries include:
- Bed sores
- Overdose of medication
- Infections
- Hip fractures and other fractures due to slip and fall
- Head injuries
According to the Centers for Disease Control, falls in nursing homes are a big problem. A typical nursing home with 100 beds will report anywhere from 100 to 200 falls. The reality is that many of these falls are not reported and family is not aware of what happened. 20% of nursing home falls result in serious or life-altering injuries. It is important to stay informed about your loved one’s care and to ask questions if you see suspicious injuries such as broken bones, sprains, or head injuries. If you have concerns about the premises of the nursing home and notice injuries, it is important to report your concerns and seek help as soon as possible. J. Boyce Garland, Jr., Attorney at Law, is a nursing home injury lawyer in Gastonia NC who fights diligently to protect families whose lives have been affected by nursing home abuse.
Nursing Home Neglect Lawyer in Gastonia NC protecting the rights of the Elderly
If your loved one lives in a nursing home, you trust that providers will give your loved one quality care. When nursing homes fail to deliver on their duty to their residents, the results can be tragic. If your loved one has been personally injured due to nursing home neglect or abuse, J. Boyce Garland, Jr. is an experienced Gastonia NC nursing home abuse lawyer who works hard for families and their loved ones. You may only have a limited amount of time to seek justice and to hold nursing homes accountable for their actions. Contact our firm today for a FREE consultation.
