I Suspect Neglect – What Should I Do?
Rarely will a nursing home call to tell you that they’ve hurt or neglected your loved one. Families typically encounter a web of lies and deceit to keep them from learning the truth. This also holds true for injuries sustained in hospitals, assisted living facilities and group homes. Many of these facilities are run by investors who wrongfully prioritize profits over their patients. These facilities are typically understaffed with subpar caretakers. Sadly, oftentimes it is up to the family members to expose the patient neglect and stop the cycle of abuse.
#1: Immediately Seek Medical Attention
If you believe your loved one is hurt, immediately take them to the hospital or call 9-1-1. Getting your loved one medical attention is of the utmost importance. Let the doctors know why and how you believe your loved one was wrongfully injured.
#2: Do Not Remain Silent, Report the Neglect
Report the negligent facility or caretaker to the State. We have put together an easy-to-use resource on how to report a nursing home or healthcare provider. Please follow this link to find out how to report your incident to the proper government agency for your geographic area.
#3: Photograph the Injuries
A picture is worth 1,000 words. This could not be more true in elder abuse cases. Records inevitably get changed. Witnesses forget what they saw. Take all steps necessary to document the condition as thoroughly as you can. If you see what may be critical piece of evidence exposing patient abuse, take clear photographs. Some examples may include pictures of a bedsore developing, dirty sheets, a sleeping nurse, a slippery floor or an unanswered call light. If you can, document the scene and the injury with lots of photographs. Your photographs could be critical to help establish and prove your case.
#4: Speak with an Elder Abuse Attorney who can Gather Your Loved One’s Medical Records
Elder neglect is depressing. A taboo cocktail party conversation; people don’t like to think about what goes on inside these facilities. Don’t be sorry it happened – do something about it. Send a message that this kind of wrongdoing must not happen again.
#5: Let the Lawyers at Senior Justice Help You on Your Journey to Justice
Nursing homes today are big businesses. These national corporate nursing home and hospital chains will hire top tier law firms to defend them in court. Make sure you have a strong ally in your corner, capable of fighting for the justice you and your family deserve. We are happy to speak with you about your potential patient neglect case. We are also happy to obtain your family member’s medical records to investigate the incident. Contact Senior Justice Law Firm now for a free consultation.
