When parents become a certain age, many children have to consider that they may require more care than they can provide for themselves. When they reach the stage in which they need help with taking care of themselves and doing daily tasks, it’s natural to turn to nursing homes for help. It’s expected that when an elderly relative has to be placed in a nursing home, that they will receive care with kindness and competence, and proper medical care. However, that isn’t always what happens. Some nursing homes do not meet the duty of care that is expected of them and this can result in personal injuries for their patients.

If you have an elderly relative who you suspect is not receiving the proper level of care in a nursing home and they have been injured, your first priority should be to get them out of the environment and into a safe one. The very next thing you should do is consult with a lawyer who is experienced with nursing home abuse cases to help you gather the necessary evidence to help you with a case.

When Is Nursing Home Abuse Medical Malpractice?

Typically, the reason that people move into nursing homes is because they are not able to take care of their medical needs (which are often increasing) on their own at home. One of the most important services that nursing homes provide their residents is medical care. Unfortunately, there are times when they don’t do so appropriately, and it results in injury. Your medical malpractice lawyer will have an extensive understanding of nursing home liability and be able to tell you when an injury sustained there is considered medical malpractice.

Some of the most common forms of nursing home abuse that are considered medical malpractice are:

• Medication errors
• Physical or sexual abuse of residents Malnourishment or dehydration
• Failing to obtain the care of a doctor or registered nurse to access residents’ medical issues or complaints
• Unsanitary conditions that cause infections
• Malfunctioning medical equipment
• Untrained, or insufficiently trained staff

Many nursing home residents are already in a declining or fragile state, which means that any neglect or abuse that they suffer may lead to serious injuries – even premature death.

Keep in mind that if your loved one is injured at a nursing home, it’s likely that the facility’s administrators will be cooperative and seem understanding, taking action to correct any errors or misdoings. Remember, that even so, they are looking out for their own best interests, not those of your loved one. It isn’t uncommon for nursing homes to offer families compensation for an injury and asking them to sign documentation that releases them from responsibility for the abuse. If this happens to your family, don’t sign anything and seek help from a medical malpractice attorney immediately.

Get Help for Your Nursing Home Medical Malpractice Case

If you have a relative who resides in a Florida nursing home, be aware of changes in their physical and mental health, and if you suspect nursing home abuse, contact Boca Raton medical malpractice attorney, Joe Osborne, for help with your case. He will provide you with the guidance you need and will advocate for your loved one in a lawsuit if it is a case of medical malpractice. Call today at (561) 293-2600, to get started on your case. Don’t delay, you have a limited amount of time in which to file your claim.