NURSING HOME ABUSE and NEGLECT

Nursing home residents have the legal right to be free from abuse and neglect. Unfortunately, some companies that operate and manage nursing homes place more emphasis on the “bottom line” than with providing residents proper care. Elder abuse and neglect take many different forms, but the most common types are physical abuse, emotional abuse, and sexual abuse.

The following are general signs of elder abuse:

• Frequent arguments or tension between the caregiver and elderly person;

• Unexpected changes in the elderly person’s personality or behavior;

• Unexplained fractures, dislocations, bruises, welts or scars;

• Report of either drug overdose or apparent failure to take medication;

• Bruises around the elderly person’s breasts or genitals;

• Unexplained venereal disease or genital infections; and

• Unexplained vaginal or anal bleeding.

Caring for our elderly population can be extremely stressful. Tragically, the stress of providing elder care can cause caregivers to become impatient and lash out against those to whom they provide care. Other times, the stress of providing elder care can cause caregivers to refuse to provide the care an elderly person needs.  Nursing home staff may be especially prone to commit elder abuse and neglect due to lack of training, lack of staff, and lack of supplies. These poor work conditions within nursing homes create the perfect storm for elder abuse.

The following are general signs of elder neglect:

• Unusual weight loss, malnutrition, and dehydration;

• Unstable vital signs

• Bed sores, fractures, contractures, and urinary tract infections;

• Unsanitary living conditions;

• Poor personal hygiene and grooming;

• Unsafe living conditions; and

• Elopement from a facility.

Nursing homes often increase their profits by understaffing and undersupplying the facility.  Facilities further increase their profits by underpaying and inadequately training their employees. The emphasis of placing “profits over people” and “revenue over residents” often results in injuries that could and should have been avoided.

healthcare liability

Statistics show that people are often injured due to the reckless and negligent conduct of physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers who are charged with providing them competent medical care. In fact, more than 400,000 Americans die each year as a result of medical negligence.  Jacob C. Parker previously defended hospitals, nursing homes and physicians.  Jacob’s experience defending healthcare providers gives him unique insight into handling your healthcare liability case. 

The Parker Law Firm  handles a wide-variety of medical malpractice claims:

• Failure to Diagnosis

• Missed Diagnosis

• Birth and Delivery Injuries

• Surgical Errors

• Medication Errors

Healthcare Liability cases are not like other types of lawsuits. Attempting to navigate the legal process without the assistance of an experienced attorney who understands the special rules and procedures associated with these types of cases often leads to unjust results for those injured by a healthcare provider. Regulations concerning healthcare liability vary among states, therefore, it is important to have an attorney who is experienced in handling these claims in both Tennessee and Georgia.

Commonly Asked Questions

• What are the chances of obtaining a settlement from my healthcare provider?

• How long will my healthcare liability lawsuit take to resolve?

• What specific Georgia or Tennessee healthcare liability laws will impact my case?

• Will I be required to appear in court? 

• If another law firm has declined my case, will The Parker Law Firm consider taking it?

• How much compensation is available for injuries resulting from healthcare liability in Georgia or Tennessee?

• Does Tennessee or Georgia place a cap on how much compensation can be awarded?

The above questions represent only a small sample of the many questions you may have about your case. Every case is unique, therefore, you deserve specific answers to your particular set of facts. The Parker Law Firm will take the time to listen to your concerns, and will offer you customized legal representation.

WRONGFUL DEATH

Losing a loved one unexpectedly due to a healthcare provider’s negligent or wrongful act causes extraordinary grief and stress. The Parker Law Firm will work hard to get you the compensation you deserve for medical bills, final expenses, and pain and suffering, due to your loved one’s wrongful and untimely death.

The Parker Law Firm represents families who have lost loved ones due to:

• Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

• Medical Malpractice

To prove liability in a medical malpractice case, you must establish the following:

• The responsible party owed a duty of care to the deceased;

• The responsible party breached that duty by acting negligently or recklessly; and

• Those negligent or reckless actions led to your loved one’s death.

Multiple parties may be held liable for your loved one’s death. These parties may include:

• Physicians and Physician’s Assistants, 

• Nurse Practitioners, Registered Nurses, and Licensed Practical Nurses;

• Drug Manufacturers; and

• Hospitals or Nursing Homes.

Each wrongful death claim is different.  The unique circumstances of your wrongful death claim will determine the exact amount of compensation you can recover. Recoverable damages include: 

• Funeral expenses;

• Medical bills for treatment of injuries that caused the person’s death;

• Pain and suffering experienced before their death;

• Lost wages based on the deceased expected earnings and life expectancy;

• Loss of consortium; and

• Punitive damages to punish and deter the responsible party. 

If you believe that your loved one has died due to the wrongful conduct of a healthcare provider, please contact The Parker Law Firm for a free consultation.