Below is a discussion of nursing home abuse and neglect claims in Texas.
1
Why is there abuse/neglect nursing homes and how common is it?
Abuse and neglect arise from lack of staff supervision, untrained staff, and understaffing at nursing homes. Congressional investigations have found 1 in 5 nursing homes failed to report abuse and neglect and 1 in 3 nursing homes have been cited for physical abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect.
2
What are some signs and symptoms of abuse at a nursing home?
Signs and symptoms can include: bed sores, malnourishment, begging for food, dehydration, bruises, black eyes, welts, rope marks, lacerations, broken bones, dislocations, broken eyeglasses, behavior changes, untreated wounds, bloody undergarments, vaginal/anal bleeding, and sexually transmitted diseases.
3
What is required to show abuse or neglect in a nursing home?
One must show the doctors, nurses, aides or other nursing home employees failed to treat the nursing home resident within the required standard of care of medicine or nursing home care and this failure was the cause of the nursing home resident's injuries.
4
What types of compensation is available for nursing home abuse and neglect?
Compensation may include medical bills, future medical care, and compensation for pain, disfigurement, impairment, and mental anguish. Depending the severity of the abuse and neglect, a jury may award punitive damages.
5
What should one do if they expect their loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse and neglect?
One should contact a personal injury attorney. One should report the incident to the nursing home and report the incident to Texas Dept. of Aging and Disability Services at (800) 458-9859. You should also take pictures of any injuries and gather a list of witnesses.
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