FAQs About Nursing Home Abuse
Making the decision to admit a loved one into a nursing home is very difficult. Nursing home abuse is a real concern and you are likely worried about if your loved one will receive the care they need. Although no one wants to think about it, understanding nursing home abuse is important so you can spot it when it happens and make things right. Below, our Daniel Island nursing home negligence and abuse lawyer outlines the most frequently asked questions we hear, and the answers to them.
What Should I Do if I Suspect Nursing Home Abuse?
It is extremely concerning to think that your loved one is suffering from nursing home abuse. It is natural to feel unsure about what to do next. If you are able to communicate with your loved one, ask them how they sustained their injury or what caused a loss such as a missing checkbook. If you cannot communicate with your loved one or they do not want to talk about it, have them examined by a medical professional who is not associated with the nursing home.
Also speak to the manager, supervisor, or administrator of the nursing home about what happened. If these individuals cannot provide you with a reasonable answer, contact a nursing home abuse lawyer who will start investigating the incident.
What are Common Signs of Nursing Home Abuse?
It is important to know the common signs of nursing home abuse so you can identify when it is occurring. The most common signs of nursing home abuse include:
- Unexplained broken bones
- Bed sores
- Sudden weight loss or dehydration
- Unexplained falls
- Medication errors
- Untreated infections
- Signs of sexual assault, such as bloody or torn undergarments
After noticing any signs of nursing home abuse, it is critical that you take immediate action.
Does an Arbitration Agreement Prevent Me from Suing the Nursing Home?
Many nursing homes in South Carolina require patients to sign an arbitration agreement upon admittance. These agreements require you to enter arbitration to resolve a dispute instead of filing a lawsuit against the facility. Arbitration agreements are very harmful to your case, but they are not always enforceable. It is always important to speak to an attorney if you suspect nursing home abuse, but especially if you have signed an arbitration agreement.
Are Bed Sores Common in Nursing Homes?
Yes. Approximately one in ten nursing home residents suffer from bed sores. This does not mean that they are unavoidable or that you should not be concerned about them. Bed sores are one of the most common signs of nursing home abuse. If your loved one suffers from them, it is important to obtain legal advice.
Call Our Nursing Home Abuse and Negligence Lawyer in Daniel Island Today
Seeing a loved one suffer in a long-term care facility is heartbreaking. At Fuller Law Firm, our Daniel Island nursing home abuse and negligence lawyer can help you hold the facility accountable for their actions so your family obtains the full and fair compensation you deserve. Call us now at 843-277-0013 or chat with us online to schedule a consultation and to get the information you need.
Source:
scstatehouse.gov/code/t43c035.php
