February 25, 2025 | Nursing Home Negligence

Advancements in healthcare have meant that many of us have the privilege of enjoying time with our loved ones for longer. However, due to various circumstances, many people aren’t able to provide the level of care that their aging loved ones require. Nursing homes and the other similar facilities are designed to provide the elderly with the care, support and dignity they deserve in their twilight years. However, not all facilities live up to their promises. In fact, the number of cases involving elderly residents in distressing situations is increasing. Below, we discuss nursing home neglect and how working with an experienced attorney can help in the pursuit for justice.

Understanding Nursing Home Neglect

Nursing homes are charged with the responsibility of meeting the basic needs of those under their care. Nursing home neglect occurs when nursing homes fail to provide residents with the necessary care. This can lead to harm, emotional distress or even worsening of health conditions. While neglect may not be as obvious as nursing home abuse, the consequences can be just as devastating.

Nursing home neglect can take various forms including:

• Medical neglect

This occurs when the nursing home fails to provide the residents with proper medical care. This may include failing to administer medication on time or in the right dosage, ignoring medical conditions such as diabetes, infections or bedsores or a delayed response to medical emergencies such as falls, strokes and heart attacks. Medical neglect is serious as it can have fatal consequences. Residents that are suffering from chronic conditions or those that are heavily reliant on their caregivers are particularly vulnerable to this type of neglect.

• Emotional and psychological neglect

Nursing homes have an obligation to ensure the psychological and emotional well-being of their residents. This is just as important as catering to their physical needs. Nursing homes may neglect these needs by ignoring or isolating residents thus leading to feelings of loneliness and depression. They may also fail to address signs of mental health issues such as anxiety or severe distress. Verbal mistreatment such as failing to engage residents, belittling them or dismissing their concerns is also considered neglect.

• Nutritional Neglect

Nursing homes are required to provide residents with foods that meet their nutritional needs. They are also meant to provide residents with clean drinking water. Failure to do so can result in malnutrition or dehydration. Failure to meet the nutritional needs of residents can also result in other health issues including weakened immune systems as well as an overall decline in their well-being.

• Personal hygiene neglect

Elderly residents often rely on nursing home staff for assistance with the daily hygiene tasks. Neglect in this area may include failing to help the residents with tasks such as bathing, brushing teeth or grooming, failing to change their soiled clothing or bedding resulting in discomfort and infections as well leaving residents to sit in soiled diapers or clothing for extended periods and thus increasing their risk of bedsores and skin infections. Poor hygiene not only has an impact on the resident’s physical health but also their psychological health. It can lead to a decline in their self-esteem and dignity.

The Importance of Hiring a Nursing Home Neglect Attorney

Discovering that your loved one has been the victim of nursing home neglect can be overwhelming. You may not know what steps to take next. One of the best things you can do for your case is to hire an experienced nursing home neglect attorney. These legal professionals can help by:

• Conducting thorough investigations

In order to be successful with a nursing home negligence claim, it is important to provide strong evidence. Thorough investigations are required. Attorneys work with medical experts, other industry experts and private investigators to uncover and develop evidence. This will help to strengthen your case.

• Explaining your legal rights and protections

Nursing home residents are protected under both federal and state laws. An experienced attorney will ensure that you understand these legal rights and protections. They will ensure you know the best approach to take to hold the negligent nursing home accountable under the law.

• Negotiating with insurance companies

Like with other personal injury cases, many nursing home neglect cases end with an out-of-court settlement. These settlements are reached through negotiations with the insurance companies representing the nursing homes. Experienced attorneys can negotiate fair settlements to cover medical bills, emotional distress and pain and suffering. They will handle all communications with the insurance company, thus relieving families of legal stress.

• Pursuing further legal actions

In cases where settlements cannot be reached or where there has been gross negligence, attorneys can help in pursuing further legal actions. Your attorney can file a lawsuit and represent you in court.

Conclusion

Nursing home neglect is a serious issue that can have devastating consequences. Working with an experienced attorney can help you pursue justice and financial compensation. At High and Younes Attorneys, LLC, we’re committed to fighting on behalf of the injured and holding negligent parties accountable. Contact us to schedule free consultation.

Nursing Home Neglect Attorneys