Common Reasons for Lawsuits Against Elder Care Facilities

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As our loved ones grow older, it can be even more difficult to take care of those we love, especially if they have any type of special need that must be taken into consideration. Many times, there comes a point where we have to make the difficult decision about whether that elderly person can continue to stay at home, or if it is just too much for them or their family members to handle any more. That’s where a nursing home or assisted living facility may come into play. These facilities can provide care and support that your loved one needs that you are unable to provide for them or that they cannot provide for themselves.

If you are under the impression that your loved one is being mistreated at an assisted living facility, you should reach out to our experienced South Carolina nursing home abuse attorneys right away to seek the appropriate legal action.

When Nursing Home and Assisted Living Facilities Fail Us

Sadly, these facilities for the elderly don’t always live up to our expected standards of care. Instead, they result in the abuse and negligence of an already fragile and vulnerable population. Here is a list of the top reasons that many lawsuits are filed against these elder care facilities:

  • Death or Injuries from Falls – Falls are one of the most frequent accidents in elder care facilities. While this population is already prone to falling and suffering severe injuries when this happens, a facility may do things that contribute to these accidents. Bad lighting, damaged or wet flooring, improper medication, and lack of supervision can all lead to tragic falls.
  • Pressure/Bed Sores – These sores are sometimes called decubitus ulcers and are wounds which develop over a period of time when the skin breaks down as a result of being in contact too long with a surface such as a wheelchair, bed, or pillow. These wounds are most common on hips, heels, and tailbones, although they can occur on any area that has prolonged contact with a surface. Patients who have limited mobility or suffer from nerve damage are the most at risk for these sores, and proper steps by the facility to ensure that a patient moves often have clean clothing and bedding, and is properly positioned can reduce that risk.
  • Poor Hygiene and Improper Care – If a resident is unable to care for themselves and the facility staff fails to provide proper hygiene for them, it can lead to tragic health consequences. Staff should wash their hands routinely and ensure that the facility is clean and well-maintained; otherwise, infections and injuries may occur.

Other reasons that lawsuits may be filed against elder care facilities may include failing to adequately monitor residents; elderly abuse whether physical, emotional, sexual, or financial; medication errors or delays; and failure to seek or delaying to seek medical treatment when needed.

Contact a Charleston Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Today

If your elderly loved one has suffered injuries or died as a result of abuse or negligence at long-term care, assisted living, or nursing home facility, you could be able to recover compensation for your injuries or loss. The Charleston nursing home abuse lawyers at David Aylor Law Offices will review your situation and help you determine what your legal options are. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

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