When families in Alabama entrust their loved ones to a nursing home, they expect that they’ll be cared for. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. There are times when people in nursing homes are neglected and mistreated. The number of people in nursing homes is increasing, so families need to know their rights when it comes to wrongful death in nursing facilities.
The signs of wrongful death
Moving a relative into a long-term care facility is a big decision. It’s always advisable to do lots of research and, if possible, meet the staff. This can be a way to gauge their commitment to caring for the residents.
Many deaths that occur in nursing and assisted living homes are due to old age, but some early deaths are preventable. If a death seems sudden, with no precipitating illnesses or changes to a condition, that can be one warning sign of nursing home neglect. Often, the home will not provide information about the situation. The staff will prefer to try and pass it off as another death due to the natural aging process.
Some warning signs of nursing home abuse and neglect can include bruises and bedsores. Residents may slip and fall in homes that don’t have a fall prevention program. Sometimes, caregivers even drop residents when attempting to get them into bed with devices like a Hoyer lift. They may attempt to cover it up, hiding it from both supervisors and the family.
Getting legal help
The Nursing Home Reform Act requires a written care plan for all residents. It also mandates a high level of care. If you suspect that a loved one has been mistreated, the law offers recourse. An experienced attorney may be able to help investigate the circumstances and even pursue monetary damages.