Nursing Home Negligence Lawsuit Funding
Nursing Home Negligence: Injury, Treatment and Long Term Impact
Nursing home negligence is a major problem in the United States, and its consequences can be long-lasting and devastating. Nursing home negligence is defined as any time a nursing home fails to meet the standards of care expected of similar nursing homes in the same geographic area. This includes failing to provide adequate nutrition, hygiene, and medical care. Nursing home negligence can lead to serious injury, illness or even death.
Injuries
Nursing home negligence can cause a range of injuries including physical, psychological, and emotional injuries. Physical injuries are the most common type of injury resulting from nursing home negligence. These injuries can range from minor bruises and abrasions to serious traumatic injuries. Examples of medical negligence-related physical injuries include bed sores, falls, dehydration, malnutrition, and wrong medication. Pressure ulcers, also known as “bed sores” are one of the most common types of physical injury in nursing home negligence cases. Bed sores typically occur when the elderly resident is left in one position for too long and not regularly changed or moved.
Falls are another common injury in nursing home neglect. Mobility is a major concern when it comes to the elderly, who are more likely to fall and become injured. Poor supervision of elderly residents or inadequate accessibility of wheelchairs, walkers, and other mobility aids can lead to falls. Additionally, failure to take precautions such as setting up safety railings or proper lighting can increase the risks of falls.
Dehydration, malnutrition, and wrong medication are all common injuries caused by nursing home negligence. Dehydration is a serious and potentially life-threatening problem in nursing home residents. Malnutrition is another serious concern and is often caused by inadequate nutrition or not following a diet prescribed by a doctor. Wrong medication is one of the most common and potentially deadly injuries from nursing home neglect. Failures to follow doctor’s orders, mix the wrong medication, or only partially fill a prescription are all common medication errors.
Psychological and emotional injuries can also be caused by nursing home negligence. In some cases, residents may be subjected to abuse, physical or psychological in nature. Additionally, residents may be affected by the caretaker’s negligence leading to feelings of anger, anxiety, depression, and fear.
Treatment
Treatment for nursing home negligence varies depending on the type and severity of injury suffered. A physician may be called in to evaluate the patient to determine the best course of action.
For physical injuries, treatment typically includes pain management and physical therapy. Pain management may involve medications or physical therapy. Physical therapy may involve exercises, strength and balance training, or massage. Treatment of bed sores typically includes wound care, pain management, and preventive strategies to avoid the further deterioration of the sores.
For psychological and emotional injuries, treatment typically includes psychological therapy and supportive care. Psychological therapy may be provided by a psychiatrist, therapist or social worker. This may include counseling, therapy, and medication management. Supportive care typically involves family members and friends listening to and comforting the patient. This can provide emotional support and help the patient adjust to the changes in their life due to the neglect.
Long-term Impact
The consequences of nursing home negligence can be long-term and devastating. Victims of nursing home negligence can experience physical and emotional pain, financial difficulties, and disruption to their quality of life. Physical injuries can lead to long-term disability, chronic pain, and can even be fatal in some cases. Psychological and emotional injuries can lead to depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder, all of which can impair a person’s ability to function and enjoy life.
Financial problems are an unfortunate side effect of nursing home negligence. Nursing home negligence can lead to expensive medical bills, lost wages, and even lawsuits. These costs can be a heavy burden on the victim, their families, and their caregivers.
Lastly, nursing home neglect can have a devastating impact on quality of life. Victims of nursing home negligence may struggle with basic activities of daily living, be unable to participate in activities they used to enjoy, and generally feel unwell and unhappy. Nursing home neglect can have a profound impact on a person’s life, which can be hard to come back from.
It is crucial for nursing homes to abide by the expectations of care. When nursing homes fail to provide adequate and safe care for their residents, the consequences can be long-term and devastating. Victims of nursing home negligence should be aware of their rights and take steps to seek compensation for their injury, treatment, and long-term impact.
