When you begin to realize your loved one is not being treated properly at their nursing home or assisted living facility, you may want to hold the liable party responsible. If you choose to file a claim to receive justice for your loved one, you will have to distinguish whether the issue is negligent care or physical, psychological, or sexual abuse. However, determining between negligence and abuse can be difficult. An experienced nursing home abuse and negligence lawyer can help you answer the question, “What’s the difference between nursing home negligence and abuse?”
If you believe your loved one is suffering because of negligence or abuse at a nursing home, call the nursing home negligence lawyers at Belt, Bruner, & Barnett P.C. as soon as possible at (205) 933-1500 to schedule a free consultation.
Nursing Home Negligence
Negligence occurs when one party does not uphold its duty of care toward another person or group of people. The specific duty of care owed to another person or group depends on the relationship between them. Nursing homes owe their residents a duty of reasonable care. They are responsible for providing appropriate medical attention and adequate hygiene along with a clean, safe, and nourishing living environment.
Nursing homes across the state often fail to meet the basic standard of care. They fail to adequately take care of resident’s medical needs, keep their residents bathed and in clean clothing, and maintain clean and safe living areas. This failure to uphold its responsibility is considered negligence, whether it is the result of careless, reckless, or intentional behavior, and it can cause residents a great deal of harm.
Nursing Home Abuse
While nursing home negligence usually arises from employees or managers being careless or reckless, abuse is intentional and knowing. Nursing home abuse can constitute:
- Physical violence: Pushing, hitting, slapping, and kicking
- Psychological harm: Name-calling, isolating, and demeaning
- Sexual violence: Non-consensual touching or sexual conduct and rape
- Financial harm: Using undue influence, fraud, and theft
Abuse is intentionally perpetrated by one individual against a resident. It can be committed by a nursing home staff member, another resident, visitors, or anyone with access to the facility.
Has Your Elderly Loved One Been Harmed? Call a Nursing Home Abuse and Negligence Lawyer
If your elderly loved one has suffered an injury while living in a nursing home or you see that their health is deteriorating faster than it should, you should take a close look to see if your loved one is being treated properly and with the respect they deserve.
If there is any indication that someone is responsible for their current condition or injuries, you should contact our attorneys at Belt, Bruner, & Barnett P.C. at (205) 933-1500 or through our online form for a free consultation. We will fight for your loved one’s rights.
