Cases involving the neglect and abuse
of the elderly in nursing homes are unlike other personal injury matters. They
require an understanding of federal and state regulations applicable to nursing
homes, and the knowledge, experience and compassion to hold nursing home
facilities accountable for the harm they cause the elderly and their families.
The lawyers at Hardison & Associates know these regulations well, and are
dedicated to handling the civil litigation of cases involving such
abuse.
Neglect and abuse of the elderly happens every day, and can be
physical, emotional or simple negligence. All too often, the elderly have no one
to speak for them. We believe our firm should be their voice, and we have the
resources to search government and medical records to effectively pursue
meritorious cases.
At Hardison & Associates, we also believe that nursing
home operators should be accountable when they provide substandard care for
their patients. Families often find that retaining a lawyer is their only
recourse for honest answers and action following the death or serious injury of
a loved one. We are able to settle many cases to
obtain compensation for injured clients or their families. In those instances
where nursing homes are unwilling to settle, we are fully prepared to pursue the
matter in court and will give every case our best.
The health care of our
elderly, particularly our parents, is an issue of growing concern. Advances in
medicine continue to prolong life. About 1.6 million U.S. citizens are
functionally dependent and living in nursing facilities. That figure is expected
to climb to 5 million in 30 years. One report estimates that 44,000 to 98,000 people currently die each year in the U.S.
because of mistakes made by medical professionals. According to Dr. Donald
Berwick of the Institute of Medicine, these figures are an "underestimate."
The first step is recognizing what is
abuse or neglect. Unfortunately, not all nursing homes provide our family
members with the care we expect and the treatment our elderly loved ones
deserve. Improperly trained nurses and shortages of nursing staff often lead to
injuries and complaints, as does unsanitary conditions and substandard care for
injuries. Some of the serious injuries that are encountered in nursing homes
include:
- Bedsores and pressure sores
- Open wounds
- Cuts
- Bruises
- Dehydration
- Malnutrition
- Weight loss
- Burns
- Falls and fractures
- Bowel impactions
- Medication errors
- Aspiration
- Septic shock
- Pneumonia
- Poor personal hygiene
- Verbal or physical abuse
- Over-sedation
- Unexplained injuries
These and other types of injuries are avoidable with
proper care and well trained nursing home personnel. Unfortunately the elderly
cannot speak for themselves in most situations. Usually, a family member or
guardian of the victim will be the first one to notice “things are just not
right.”
If you or a loved one have been injured as a result of nursing
home negligence, our lawyers will assist you. Please call Hardison & Associates,
“the people’s law firm,” at 800-434-8016 or
e-mail today. |
