The United States federal government invests millions of dollars in Medicaid and Medicare programs to guarantee proper and compassionate care for nursing home patients. Additionally, you expect nursing home caregivers to treat your loved one with respect and care. However, this is not always the case with the all-too-frequent reports of abuse and neglect in nursing homes.
Nursing home malpractices, including assault, neglect, or even wrongful death, can devastate victims and their families. When abuse or neglect occurs, it is critical to hold the abuser and the nursing facilities accountable. While federal and state laws entitle victims to compensation, nursing home malpractice lawsuits are often complicated. However, a nursing home malpractice lawyer can help you protect your loved one legal rights.
If you or a loved one has suffered abuse or neglect in a nursing facility, you can contact our knowledgeable and experienced Arizona nursing home malpractice lawyer at Rowley Chapman & Barney Ltd. We understand how devastating abuse and neglect can be and are committed to fighting for your rights to fair compensation.
Types of Nursing Home Malpractices
Since nursing homes care primarily for the elderly, most nursing home malpractices are unreported. Most of the victims in this vulnerable group are unaware of the mistreatment. Accordingly, it is essential to know about the different types of abuse and what to look out for in case you suspect abuse or neglect of a loved one in a nursing facility.
Some of the most common types of nursing home malpractices in Arizona and across America include:
- Physical abuse – this occurs when a caregiver intentionally uses force against a patient, including hitting, kicking, punching, shoving, and physical restraint. It can result in pain, injury, or even the victim’s death.
- Sexual abuse – as despicable as it is, sexual abuse also occurs in nursing homes. It occurs when a caregiver or anyone else engages in forceful and unwanted sexual contact with a patient, including rape, inappropriate touching, indecent exposure, and other forms of sexual harassment.
- Emotional and psychological abuse – besides physical and sexual abuse, a nursing home resident can also experience emotional abuse causing mental anguish, distress, or fear. This type of abuse can include verbal and non-verbal threats, intimidation, ethnic or racial profiling, disrespect, and humiliation.
- Neglect – Unlike abuse, neglect can be subtle and sometimes hard to detect. It occurs when a nursing facility fails to meet a patient’s basic or personal needs, including food, clothing, hygiene assistance, shelter, and adequate medical care. Typically, neglect compromises a patient’s safety and well-being.
Recovering Damages in a Nursing Home Malpractice Lawsuit
A nursing home owes its patients and residents a duty of care, and they are in breach of this duty anytime a person in their facility suffers abuse or neglect. However, it is not always easy to prove nursing home malpractices, especially with many victims unaware of what constitutes neglect, abuse, or exploitation.
However, nursing home abuse or neglect is like any other personal injury lawsuit, and a personal injury attorney can help you protect your legal rights and recover damages. A skilled attorney can help you recover damages for pain and suffering, medical expenses, emotional trauma, wrongful death, and punitive damages.
Contact an Arizona Nursing Home Malpractice Lawyer
Nursing home abuse, neglect, and other forms of malpractice can be due to various factors, including understaffing, poor training, and unprofessionalism. However, federal and state laws protect nursing home patients’ right to quality care and will hold nursing facilities and their staff accountable for any malpractice.
While damage recovery in a nursing home malpractice case can be complex, a skilled personal injury lawyer can help. If you are in Mesa, AZ, and you or a loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, we are here for you. Contact Kevin Chapman, our skilled and experienced Arizona nursing home malpractice lawyer at Rowley Chapman & Barney Ltd. He will fight for your legal rights while helping you get the compensation you need and deserve. Contact him today schedule a consultation and learn more about his services.
