Medical Neglect in Nursing Homes

Thursday, June 3, 2021

Medical Neglect in Nursing Homes

Written by Malman Law, reviewed by Steve J. Malman.

When people think of nursing home abuse, they often think of physical or even sexual abuse. However, nursing home abuse also includes medical neglect. Although it comes in many forms, medical neglect occurs when a resident isn’t getting the medical care they require. 

The elderly population is arguably the most vulnerable population in America. Many older citizens are placed in nursing homes with the expectation that they will receive the medical and other care that they desperately need. In a nursing home, the administrators and staff both have a legal responsibility to ensure that the environment is safe and secure and that their services promote each resident’s health and wellbeing. If their legal obligation isn’t upheld, nursing home residents and their families could be owed compensation. If you suspect that your loved one is the victim of medical neglect in a nursing home, don’t hesitate to contact a compassionate Chicago nursing home abuse lawyer at Malman Law as soon as possible.

What is Medical Neglect?

When neglect happens when those charged with the care of a nursing home resident violate the standard of care owed. The standard of care can vary between states. However, nursing home residents are entitled to safe care and accommodations that support their physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Nursing home residents often rely on the staff for not only their daily care but also for medications and other medical treatments such as breathing treatments or dressing changes.

Examples of medical neglect in a nursing home that should warrant a call to an experienced Chicago nursing home abuse attorney include:

1. Lacking adequate supports for residents with mental illness or cognitive disabilities
2. Staff ignoring resident complaints of pain, illness, abuse, or other forms of mistreatment
3. Lack of care to prevent bedsores, head injuries, broken bones, or infections
4. Not obtaining informed consent before medical procedures or tests
5. Not providing the ordered medications at the correct dose and at the right time
6. Refusing to order or complete medical tests necessary to diagnose a resident’s symptoms
7. Withholding mobility aids, adaptive devices, indwelling devices, or other equipment the resident requires

If you suspect that your loved one is the victim of medical neglect, reach out to a seasoned Chicago nursing home abuse lawyer as soon as possible.

Compensation for Medical Neglect

Medical neglect can have a devastating effect on the mental and physical health of a nursing home resident.  Compensation for such negligence can help pay for medical expenses, mobility and adaptive equipment, counseling, and other financial losses resulting from the mistreatment.  In some cases, the nursing home resident and their family may be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering as well.

Nursing home owners and administrators are accountable to state regulators for maintaining standards of care according to the law.  If the standards aren’t met, there could be penalties, increased inspections, or other corrective measures.

Do You Suspect Medical Neglect? Contact an Experienced Chicago Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

Medical neglect is often a painful and stressful experience for victims and their families. Long-term damage, disability, or even death can result from the lack of appropriate medical care in a nursing home resident. Medical neglect in nursing homes should be reported immediately. You should also contact a Chicago nursing home abuse attorney as soon as possible. Call (312) 629-0099 or use our online contact form to schedule your confidential consultation with the skilled nursing home abuse attorneys at Malman Law today.