Nursing Home Neglect

Eastern and Central Kentucky Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

People who are in the declining stages of their lives require substantial care. Unfortunately, many nursing home and long-term care facilities are grossly underfunded. As a result, they are likely to be overcrowded and understaffed. In addition, the staff providing care often are underpaid and don't receive adequate training. Sadly, this combination of factors can result in less than optimal care for your loved ones. Many elderly residents of nursing homes suffer injuries or die prematurely due to the neglect and abuse which can occur in these nursing homes.

At the Clark County law office of John G. Rice, P.L.C., we understand the outrage you feel when your loved one has been mistreated. In these sensitive nursing home neglect cases, it is necessary to evaluate if there is a legal remedy available.

Nursing Home Negligence

Most nursing home abuse or neglect cases arise either from inadequate direct supervision, negligent medical supervision, or negligent medical safety precautions:

• Inadequate direct supervision: It is often the case that elderly people are in such a state that they can easily harm themselves - due to lack of awareness (caused by dementia or Alzheimer's) or simply due to their own frailty. Without adequate supervision, they may walk down the hall without adequate assistance, take a fall and suffer a fracture of the knee or hip. While residents may not be totally supervised 24 hours a day, it is necessary to provide adequate support measures when patients are able to freely walk about in the facility. In addition, exits, including both doors and windows, should be secured and closely monitored to make sure that residents cannot wander outside the building and possibly suffer exposure to the elements.
• Negligent medical supervision: In some cases, improper training, abuse of the system, and laziness can result in negligent medical supervision. Nursing staff is responsible for administering medication properly and to alert physicians of conditions - such as bedsores, labored breathing or a sudden change in behavior - which require immediate attention.
• Negligent medical safety: Without adequate safety measures, patients may fall out of bed or down stairs and suffer serious fractures. If medications are not properly secured, residents may accidentally overdose or suffer severe reactions. It is also necessary to have appropriate handrails, bedrails, and other safety devices within the facility.

With over 20 years of legal experience, I investigate nursing home abuse and neglect cases involving:

• Untreated bedsores, also known as "pressure sores" and "decubitus ulcers"
• Malnutrition or dehydration
• Falls
• Purposeful overmedication to sedate the patient
• Accidental overmedication due to negligence
• Other chemical restraints
• Overuse or improper use of physical restraints
• Other nursing home abuse or neglect

If a loved one has fallen victim to nursing home negligence, talk with an experienced lawyer to learn if there is an actionable claim to move forward.

Contact my law office today for a free case evaluation with an experienced attorney. You can reach us 859-759-4404 or toll-free at 1-866-542-2293