The needs of elderly Americans who reside in nursing homes can vary significantly depending on the nature of the patient and any medical conditions that may exist. Some need help sparingly with rare tasks, like lifting or moving heavy objects or navigating difficult terrain. More commonly, residents need extensive assistance and may require help with all daily activities like bathing, eating, and walking. Regardless of the level of care a patient needs, all residents of Illinois nursing homes should be assured that they will obtain the care they need to leave them safe and secure.
Far too often, though, nursing home neglect occurs and these residents are left in dangerous situations that may cause injuries. Neglect can take many forms and may manifest itself in missed dosages of drugs, failed operating procedures regarding patient care, or even an ignorance of safety concerns. The residents of nursing homes in the state are dependent upon employees and the owners of these homes for help, and when neglect occurs instead of proper care, the residents may suffer. Injuries caused by abuse in a nursing home or neglectful action may lead to the rise of a claim for relief on behalf of the resident who was harmed and/or that resident’s family. As the conditions surrounding every incident vary, speaking with a personal injury attorney may help you understand your options and your rights if you suspect malfeasance.
Illinois is not the only state where these claims occur, though, and a recent incident in Minnesota makes that clear. A nursing home resident in a Hastings facility was injured in an incident that led to the resident’s death. Reportedly, care instructions regarding the resident stated that the resident was never to be left unattended while out of bed; despite this order, an employee at the home reportedly took the resident to a bathroom, placed the resident on a toilet, and then stepped away to provide the resident some privacy. Reportedly, the employee was away from the resident for about five or six minutes before the employee heard a crash and returned to the bathroom.
During that time, the resident fell from the toilet and was knocked unconscious after striking his or her head. Employees transported the resident to a hospital attached to the nursing home where the resident survived for several days before succumbing to the injuries sustained in the fall.
In response to the death of the resident, the owners of the nursing home reportedly retrained staff on proper care procedures for at-risk patients but that is little comfort for the family of the resident who died in this fall.
There is no excuse for improper care of a nursing home patient, regardless of that patient’s maladies, and any lack of care should be investigated and reviewed. When injuries result, those responsible should be held liable for their actions and should be forced to cover the financial cost of the harm.
The attorneys at Abels & Annes, P.C. believe in the rights of nursing home victims and believe that every resident deserves to be treated with care and respect. We fight for the best possible outcome for every victim we represent and if your loved one has been harmed, we want to fight for your family as well. Call us today toll free at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575 and let us provide you with a free, no obligation case consultation regarding your loved one’s rights and options.
At Abels & Annes, P.C., we want you to know that your loved one matters and that we are here to help. If you need answers, call us 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year and let us provide you with the answers you deserve.
Prior Blog Entry:
New Illinois Law Makes it Easier to Report Nursing Home Abuse, Illinois Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Blog, published December 12, 2014.
Resource:
Despite strict orders, Hastings nursing home resident left alone, falls and dies, by Paul Walsh, Star Tribune, published December 17, 2014.