When a Nursing Home Fails to Provide Care to Residents

There are several ways in which nursing homes may fail to provide care to residents in these facilities. Failure to provide the proper care that causes harm to a resident qualifies as nursing home neglect or abuse and may warrant a claim against the staff in many cases. Nursing home staff who fail to provide adequate care make the nursing home liable for damages.

Residents and their families may file a claim or lawsuit against the nursing home responsible for injury or illness resulting from inadequate care. If you or a loved one sustains an injury or illness at a nursing home facility and believe negligence or abuse was the cause, it is important to consult with an experienced nursing home abuse attorney who can help you to pursue a lawsuit and work with you to recover compensation.

Nursing homes fail to provide proper care to residents in a number of ways. Some common forms of neglect that occur in a nursing home include:

Allowing a Resident to Fall

Falls in a nursing home cause serious harm and even death. A resident who is at risk for falling must have certain rules and safeguards in place by the nursing home. When those rules are not followed and cause injury, the nursing home is responsible.

Providing the Wrong Medications

Nursing homes are required to ensure that patients receive the right medications and at the right dosage. If nursing homes provide residents with the wrong medication or dosage, this could result in serious injury or illness.

Allowing Bedsores to Form and Go Untreated

Nursing home staff may also fail to turn a resident or to properly clean and bathe residents, which can result in unsanitary conditions that lead to serious illness or injury. One common issue that can arise from improper cleaning of residents in nursing home facilities is bedsores. A bedsore can progress from a small rash to a stage IV with bone involvement or serious infection.

Failing to Properly Address Resident Health Status

If a patient in a nursing home complains of any conditions or specific symptoms that he or she is experiencing, nursing home staff are responsible for addressing these complaints and providing the appropriate solution. When the staff fails to address any health problems, residents suffer. In some cases, perceivably minor symptoms may be indicative of serious conditions, such as heart attacks or strokes, warranting immediate attention.

Nursing homes are required to provide proper care to all residents on a consistent basis. Nurses, CNAs, therapists and staff are responsible for providing residents with the proper and required medication, treatments, therapy, and procedures as needed.

When a nursing home and its staff members fail to provide proper care to residents and any injuries or illnesses occur as a result, you may file a lawsuit against the nursing home or its staff. When nursing home residents or their loved ones prove that negligent or wrongful conduct caused the illness or injury, they may recover compensation for damages and losses.

Some of the damages for which nursing home residents may be able to recover compensation include:

• Medical bills
• Emotional and mental distress
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of a normal life

If you or a loved one suffered harm or injury as a result of negligent behavior at a nursing home in Illinois, contact the attorneys at Vinkler Law Offices. As experienced nursing home abuse attorneys, Vinkler Law Offices can help you recognize the signs of abuse and neglect and help you hold the nursing home accountable for injuries caused to your loved one. The attorneys at Vinkler Law Offices have the expertise and knowledge to bring justice to you and your family. Contact Vinkler Law Offices today to schedule your free case review and consultation.