MEDICAL MALPRACTICE IN NURSING HOMES
When you placed your loved one in a nursing home in Virginia, you expected him or her to receive the best care possible. This time for your family may be a difficult one, and you need the support of the nursing home staff to reassure you that your loved one is safe and cared for. We at Bennet & Sharp understand that, unfortunately, not all nursing homes live up to families’ expectations. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, 7.6% of complaints reported to Ombudsman programs involved abuse, exploitation or negligence.
Nursing home malpractice can cause serious injuries or even the death of your loved one. Nursing home malpractice occurs when a resident receives harm due to negligence, neglect or abuse on the premises. This can include dental issues, falls, head injuries, overmedication, pressure sores, sexual abuse and more. Proper securing of the facilities can also lead to injury or death if a resident is able to wander outside of the building.
Not all nursing home malpractice is intentional. In general, nursing home abuse refers to an intentional act. Neglect refers to substandard care or an infringement of duty. When a nursing home fails to train its staff properly, for example, this can put your loved one at risk of negligence. Issues such as malnutrition or dehydration can result from a crew that does not receive adequate training.
Nursing home malpractice is a serious concern that has dangerous consequences. The NCEA reports that there is a 300% higher risk of mortality for elders who suffer abuse, as opposed to those who do not experience abuse. More information about this topic is available on our webpage.
