Cumberland Nursing Home Neglect Attorney

Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse Lawyer Serving Cumberland, MD

As loved ones age, families often turn to nursing homes to provide the care they require. However, the sad reality is that neglect and abuse can take place in these facilities, leading to serious injuries that affect the physical and emotional well-being of residents. There are many different kinds of injuries that can happen in nursing homes, and families will need to understand whether abuse or neglect was responsible. If your loved one has suffered an injury or has not received the proper care at a nursing home, contact the skilled attorney at Serafini Law. We can help you determine whether you can recover compensation for the harm your loved one has suffered.

Falls: A Common and Preventable Injury

Falls are one of the most frequent injuries in nursing homes. They may occur due to improper supervision, inadequate safety measures, or poor facility maintenance. Falls can also be caused by:

• Physical limitations - Many residents may have limited mobility or balance issues, and they may be susceptible to falls, especially if they do not receive assistance when needed.
• Environmental hazards - Wet floors, loose carpets, poor lighting, or a lack of grab bars can contribute to dangerous falling incidents.

For example, a resident might fall while attempting to navigate a poorly lit hallway. Falls may also occur when residents attempt to get into or out of bet without receiving assistance from staff members.

Bedrail Injuries: An Ever-Present Danger in Nursing Homes

While bed rails used in nursing homes are often intended to prevent falls, they may sometimes do the opposite. When misused, bedrails can cause falls by:

• Entanglement- Residents can become trapped between a bedrail and the mattress, leading to suffocation or strangulation.
• Injuries from falling- When residents try to climb over inappropriately placed bedrails, they may suffer severe injuries.

For instance, an elderly resident may attempt to get out of bed during the night while the bedrails remain up, resulting in a severe injury if they misstep or lose their balance. These injuries are more likely to occur if staff members are not readily available to provide assistance or if they do not respond to requests for help.

Sepsis: A Silent Yet Fatal Risk

Sepsis, a life-threatening response to an infection, can occur due to neglectful care, such as failure to clean a wound or attend to symptoms of infections properly. Sepsis can be caused by:

• Pressure ulcers - Neglected bedsores can lead to severe infections that may escalate into sepsis if not promptly treated.
• Lack of hygiene - Poor cleaning practices or neglect of residents' bodily hygiene can contribute to infections that lead to serious conditions.

An example would be a resident who develops a bed sore due to inadequate repositioning by staff and eventually develops an infection that could have been easily prevented with proper care.

Choking: A Hidden Danger

Choking incidents in nursing homes can result from neglect, poor communication, or failure to follow dietary needs. Choking can also happen because of:

• Improper meal preparation - Residents with swallowing difficulties require special diets, and neglecting to meet these needs can lead to choking.
• Inattention - Staff members may neglect to monitor residents while they eat, increasing the risk of choking incidents.

For example, a resident with known swallowing difficulties might be served solid foods instead of pureed meals, leading to a tragic choking accident.

Broken Bones: The Consequence of Neglect

Broken bones often result from falls, but they can also occur in other situations. They can happen due to:

• Assault - Instances of physical abuse may lead to injuries, including fractures, which can have severe repercussions for elderly residents.
• Lack of supervision - Neglecting to provide appropriate assistance to residents with mobility issues can result in serious fractures.

A nursing home resident may break their hip after a staff member fails to assist them when transferring from a wheelchair to a bed. These may be significant injuries that could have been prevented with proper care and supervision.

Contact Our Cumberland, Maryland Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Lawyer

At Serafini Law, we are committed to addressing issues related to nursing home neglect and abuse and advocating for the rights of those who have been harmed. If your loved one has experienced any form of neglect or abuse in a nursing home, contact us at 240-744-1600 to schedule a complimentary consultation and explore your legal options.