Greeley Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
Family members who admit their loved ones to nursing homes or long-term care facilities trust that the medical professionals and staff will treat residents with respect and provide proper care. However, many nursing facilities fail in this duty. When a resident suffers a personal injury due to nursing home abuse or neglect, the resident and their family may feel confused, hurt, and unsure of how to proceed.
Nursing home residents have a wide array of rights and there are legal remedies available when abuse occurs. A Greeley nursing home abuse lawyer could explain any potential steps to take. Contacting a compassionate personal injury attorney with your concerns regarding abuse may be the first step toward protecting the people you love.
Nursing Home Residents’ Rights
Under Colorado Revised Statutes § 25-1-120, patients who reside in nursing homes have a variety of rights. Some of these rights include:
- To be informed about their health and recommended medical treatments
- To receive health care that meets the standard of care established by the community
- Privacy and confidentiality regarding medical needs and treatments
- To submit grievances, regarding the facility, without fear of repercussions
- To be free from abuse
- To be free from physical restraints, unless medically necessary
Many of the acts or omissions that lead to nursing home injuries are in direct violation of a patient’s rights and federal or state laws. Understanding how an incident could occur may help a family determine whether a loved one is suffering from elder abuse or neglect in a facility. A Greeley nursing home abuse attorney could help identify potential signs of neglect and work to determine the actual cause of an injury.
Common Injuries in Nursing Homes
There are many sources of injuries in nursing homes. Injuries that come from a lack of proper care or intentionally abusive behavior may be compensable during a legal claim. Common injuries that may indicate abuse include:
- Bedsores or pressure ulcers
- Dehydration or malnutrition
- Fractures or broken bones
- Breakdown in skin integrity
- Infections
Compliance with state and federal regulations and recommendations for nursing homes could prevent these injuries from occurring. If a nursing home or their staff fail to meet regulations, the nursing home may be liable for a patient’s injuries.
There are recommendations that also may help protect residents. For example, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment found that bed rails pose a threat to nursing home residents’ safety. Bed rails may cause fractures or bruises from bumping against the rail or being trapped between the rail and the mattress. If an individual is injured due to negligence in a nursing home, a nursing home abuse lawyer in Greeley could provide guidance regarding potential legal remedies.
A Greeley Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Could Help
No facility or individual within a facility should infringe upon the rights of nursing home residents. When infractions cause injuries, the injured resident may need to undergo significant medical treatments or surgeries to recover. The individuals and entities who caused the harm could be held accountable through a legal claim for compensation.
If you suspect nursing home abuse or mistreatment, a Greeley nursing home abuse lawyer could provide information to help you potentially recover. Contact an attorney today to discuss suspected abuse and learn what steps you could take to protect your loved one.
