Nursing Home Malpractice Lawyer Houston, TX
Each year, the life expectancy in our country increases just a little bit more. We are living longer. It is therefore not uncommon for individuals to live to an age at which they are unable to live on their own anymore. They may also need the kind of medical care that would make it impossible to remain living with families without additional assistance. As a result, nursing home facilities are now greatly in demand.
Families trust that these facilities will provide the level of care their elderly loved one deserves, along with the respect and dignity they also deserve. Unfortunately, nursing home neglect has become a growing issue and incidents continue to occur every day. If you suspect that your loved one is suffering as a result of abuse or neglect, don’t hesitate to contact a nursing home abuse lawyer Houston, TX residents trust. You don’t need to know anything for sure to explore your options. By connecting with a Houston, Texas nursing home malpractice lawyer at John K. Zaid & Associates, you’ll simply ensure that you receive professional guidance and answers to your questions. That way, you’ll be able to make the most informed decision possible about how to handle your loved one’s situation.
Nursing home neglect generally happens in one or more of four different ways:
- Personal Hygiene: Patients do not receive help with their basic hygiene and grooming needs, including daily bathing, brushing of teeth, and laundry needs.
- Medical: Nursing home staff fail to provide the patient with basic medical needs to help prevent infections, bedsores, mobility issues, or cognitive diseases.
- Basic Needs: Patients are not provided with adequate food, shelter, and environmental needs by the nursing home staff.
- Emotional: Patients are ignored by nursing home staff, yelled at, and left alone.
Signs of Nursing Home Negligence
It can take an elderly patient some time to adjust to living in a nursing home, especially if they have always been fairly independent. This adjustment could cause some physical or emotional changes. However, such changes could also indicate that there is nursing home neglect taking place. Especially if a loved one’s transition is rocky or there seems to be alarming changes in your loved one’s behavior, it’s important to speak with a nursing home malpractice lawyer Houston, TX residents rely on about your situation.
There are warning signs that all families should watch for that could indicate that a patient is being neglected.
- Bedsores
- Behavioral irregularities
- Bleeding or other signs of injury
- Changes in emotional well-being
- Silence around caretakers
- Unexplained bruises
If you suspect your loved one is being neglected, there are key steps you want to take to ensure you loved one is protected:
- Keep a written record of any signs you see that could indicate neglect or abuse. These are some of the hardest cases to prove, so documenting all the red flags and symptoms can go a long way in building a case.
- Report the suspected neglect of your loved one’s doctor, patient advocate, or social worker. You can also report the neglect to the National Center of Elder Abuse. If the neglect is severe or your loved one needs immediate medical attention, contact 911.
- Contact a seasoned Houston, TX nursing home malpractice lawyer to find out what legal recourse your family has against those responsible.
For more information, call the experienced nursing home abuse lawyer in Houston, TX from John K. Zaid & Associates. We’re here to help you, today.