Boston Injury Lawyer Blog
The decision to move your loved one to a nursing home facility in Massachusetts is generally difficult, and quite emotional. We want what’s best for our elderly parents and grandparents, and sometimes we are unable to give that to them without professional help. When physical or cognitive impairments make it necessary to move your loved one into a nursing home, you hope that staff will provide exceptional care and kindness at all times. At the very least, you hope that your loved one will never be a victim of abuse or neglect. Unfortunately, nursing home abuse and neglect happens every day, affecting thousands of elderly or disabled Americans annually. In extreme cases, abuse and neglect can result in death.
It’s important to state that the vast majority of nursing homes and staff have the best interests of their residents in mind at all times. But neglect and abuse do occur. In some cases, elderly residents are seriously injured or die as a result of an accident, but intentional abuse also occurs. When nursing home negligence or abuse leads to the death of a resident, the family may bring a wrongful death lawsuit against the nursing home. These lawsuits operate much like personal injury lawsuits, with one main difference – the family members of the person who was injured bring the lawsuit. A Boston nursing home abuse attorney can help you understand your rights and options when filing a wrongful death lawsuit.
Signs of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
The best way to prevent your loved one from becoming a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect is to thoroughly research multiple facilities before deciding on the best home for your family’s needs. Once your loved one is living in the chosen facility, visit often and pay attention to your loved one’s physical appearance, mental state, and the cleanliness of his or her surroundings. The signs below may indicate neglect or abuse.
- Rapid weight loss
- Bed sores
- Infections
- Unsanitary conditions
- Broken bones
- Bruises
- Fear of being touched
- Frequent illness
- Your loved one appears agitated, withdrawn, or non-communicative.
If any of the above symptoms are present, report the issue immediately. A MA nursing home abuse lawyer can help you determine how to move forward if you believe your loved one is a victim of neglect or abuse.
Types of Abuse and Neglect
Any of the following types of abuse and neglect can result in the death of a nursing home resident.
- Assault and battery (this includes shaking, beating, and emotional and physical abuse)
- Lack of adequate care (failure to move immobile patients to prevent bed sores, failure to give correct doses of medication, failure to monitor and / or treat existing health conditions)
- Sexual assault and rape
- Physical restraint
- Seclusion
- Deprivation of food and water
- Failure to keep the patient’s living conditions safe and sanitary
$83 Million Award in Nursing Home Wrongful Death Lawsuit
An 83 year old nursing home resident was hospitalized after she became extremely dehydrated. Upon recovering, she returned to the nursing home, only to develop bed sores and be re-hospitalized. She died at the nursing home after developing an infection related to the bed sores.
The victim’s family sued the nursing home, alleging that her repeated hospitalizations were the result of understaffing-related neglect. The lawsuit also claimed that the nursing home was guilty of fraud for concealing past issues and accidents in the facility’s history. The family was awarded $83 million.
Altman & Altman, LLP – Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers Serving All of MA
If your loved one has been the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, the skilled legal team at Altman & Altman, LLP can help. Our experienced, compassionate attorneys understand the sensitive nature of these cases, especially when they involve the wrongful death of a loved one. Financial compensation cannot erase the pain and suffering that your loved one may have endured, but it can help you find the strength to hold the responsible party accountable so that nobody else will suffer needlessly. We will be by your side throughout the entire process and will ensure that you understand your rights and options before moving forward. Don’t go through this difficult time alone. We can help. Contact Altman & Altman, LLP today for a free and confidential consultation about your case.
