Knoxville Nursing Home Neglect Attorney
In many ways, neglect in nursing homes is just as serious as abuse. Neglect consists of failing to fulfill the duty of care owed to residents in a nursing home. Whereas abuse is intentional conduct like slapping or hitting, neglect consists of the failure to do something the nursing home should do.
Although neglect might seem less serious, many elderly residents are injured by neglect. Please contact a seasoned Knoxville nursing home neglect attorney today to review whether you have a legal case for compensation.
Examples of Neglect in Nursing Homes
Some of the most serious examples of neglect include:
- Failing to obtain medical care when a resident is injured or sick
- Ignoring residents who complain of pain or abuse
- Allowing a resident to wander away from the property
- Failing to keep dangerous people out of the nursing home
- Neglecting to bathe a resident
- Allowing rooms to become unclean
- Failing to regularly move residents so they do not get bedsores
- Forgetting to administer drugs to a resident
- Regularly forgetting to provide food or liquids
- Failing to fix a hazard in the building, such as loose tiles or worn carpets, which could cause a resident to fall
In short, any time a resident is ignored and does not have his or her needs met, a nursing home is probably neglectful.
How Neglect Takes a Toll on Our Loved Ones
Nursing home residents can suffer serious injuries and illnesses due to neglect. For example, they could get injured when they wander away from the home, or when dangerous strangers are allowed to enter. A resident who is attacked could suffer fractures, head injuries, or a concussion. These conditions can degenerate without proper treatment.
Other residents will become ill if not given adequate food, water, or medication. Any delay in receiving needed medical care could make the condition worse, possibly leading to death or permanent disability.
Why Nursing Home Neglect is So Widespread
There are many reasons why nursing homes can’t stamp out neglect. Many homes are struggling to adequately staff their facilities, either because of a shortage of available professionals or due to lack of funds. When there are too few workers, it is almost inevitable that some residents will be overlooked.
Other nursing homes don’t sufficiently investigate, train, or supervise their staff. Often, money pressures are the reason. A facility that is desperate to hire workers might discreetly ignore a criminal history or a complaint about neglecting or abusing residents in a previous job.
Hire an Experienced Nursing Home Neglect Lawyer in Knoxville
Neglect cases are difficult to bring because it isn’t always clear how your loved one ended up injured. For example, your grandmother might have lost a considerable amount of weight in the nursing home. But the home claims that she is choosing not to eat when, in fact, they might be forgetting to feed her.
At Atkins Brezina, PLLC, our legal team knows how to investigate suspected neglect, and can bring a lawsuit for compensation when homes fail to discharge their duties to residents. Contact us today to learn more in a free consultation.
