Nursing Home Lawyer Sioux Falls, SD
When a loved one is in a nursing home, you trust that qualified and professional caretakers will give them the treatment they deserve, but sometimes problems like abuse happens, requiring help from a Sioux Falls nursing home lawyer. At The Law Offices of Clayborne, Loos & Sabers LLP, we’re committed to helping families overcome these problems with our legal advice and services.
Never Ignore Any Potential Abuse Warning Signs
Your loved one may not come outright and tell you that they’re facing abuse from their caretakers. Furthermore, they may not have the cognitive abilities to tell you that something’s wrong. However, if you’re noticing issues like burns, scrapes, cuts, or a family member seeming unnourished or excessively tired, it’s possible that neglect or abuse is occurring.
Neglect and Abuse Can Happen For Many Reasons, But It’s Never Okay
While there are cases involving a nurse or staff member intentionally inflicting harm on a patient, these are often more so the exception versus the rule. Instead, nursing home abuse and neglect often occurs due to problems like:
- A nursing home being understaffed: To save money, nursing homes may reduce the number of caretakers they hire. This decision leads to nurses handling more patients than they can realistically take care of, resulting in quality of care diminishing.
- Inexperienced employees: While officially, nurses in a nursing home do need at least an associate’s degree in nursing, support staff may only require a high school diploma. However, even a worker with theoretical nursing knowledge may not receive adequate training. Therefore, a nurse or support staff member may provide inadequate care to a patient without even realizing it.
- A lack of motivation: Some nursing home workers are paid relatively well, but many can be contracted workers making salaries at or barely breaking minimum wage. Low payment combined with long hours where they’re often overworked results in neglect and abuse happening.
Regardless of how abuse or neglect occurs, you owe it to yourself and your family to call a Sioux Falls nursing home lawyer.
Our Attorneys Can Give You Peace of Mind
Thinking even for a moment that your family member is being abused or neglected in their nursing home is a tough situation to deal with. Our attorneys can help give you peace of mind, ensuring that we’re working hard on your case. We can handle every aspect of the litigation process, including gathering evidence, negotiating with any necessary party, and representing you and your family member in court should a settlement not occur beforehand. While nothing can change what has already happened, our team can help you and your family come to grips with the situation. We can also ensure your family receives a settlement that covers medical expenses alongside other factors like pain and suffering.
Discover How Our Attorneys Can Help Today
If you suspect that a family member isn’t receiving the proper treatment they deserve in their nursing home, you should get in contact with a Sioux Falls nursing home lawyer by reaching out to our professionals at The Law Offices of Clayborne, Loos & Sabers LLP.
What We Do
If your family member has suffered abuse while in a nursing home, you may want to contact a Sioux Falls nursing home lawyer. What happened to your loved one was unjust and they may be eligible to receive compensation. A lawyer from The Law Offices of Clayborne, Loos & Sabers LLP can help you pursue a timely claim against the negligent parties.
A nursing home lawyer specializes in the field of elder law and focuses on legal matters concerning nursing home facilities and the elderly residents they serve. These attorneys have extensive knowledge of the laws and regulations governing nursing homes, such as federal and state statutes, licensing requirements, and patient rights. By leveraging their expertise, nursing home lawyers provide legal representation and advocacy for families facing challenging situations.
Roles, Responsibilities, & Duties
One of the main responsibilities of a nursing home lawyer is to investigate claims of neglect or abuse. They meticulously review medical records, documentation, and other relevant evidence to build a strong case against negligent nursing homes. This may involve collecting testimonies from witnesses, consulting with medical experts, and analyzing facility policies and procedures. By thoroughly examining the circumstances surrounding an incident, nursing home lawyers aim to establish liability and hold responsible parties accountable.
Compensation
A Sioux Falls nursing home lawyer also works hard to secure fair compensation for their clients. Many families suffer significant emotional and financial burdens due to the mistreatment of their loved ones in nursing homes. Attorneys proficient in this field understand the legal avenues available to pursue compensation, such as filing lawsuits, negotiating settlements, or pursuing alternative dispute resolution methods. Their ultimate goal is to secure justice for their clients and provide them with the resources necessary for their loved one’s recovery or future care.
Advocating and Protecting Rights of Nursing Home Residents
Nursing home lawyers also play a critical role in advocating for improved standards of care in nursing homes. They work alongside lawmakers, regulatory bodies, and advocacy groups to shape legislation and regulations that enhance the quality of care and protect the rights of nursing home residents. By bringing attention to instances of neglect or abuse and fighting for justice on behalf of their clients, nursing home lawyers contribute to the overall betterment of the industry.
Nursing home lawyers should show compassion and empathy. They must possess a deep understanding of the emotional toll experienced by families and victims of nursing home mistreatment. By providing a compassionate ear and guiding their clients through the legal process, these lawyers offer support during a challenging and distressing time.
Providing Essential Legal Guidance
A nursing home lawyer is essential to have if you are dealing with a nursing home abuse case. These legal professionals investigate claims of neglect or abuse, seek compensation for victims and their families, and advocate for improved standards of care. By upholding the rights of nursing home residents and holding negligent parties accountable, nursing home lawyers from The Law Offices of Clayborne, Loos & Sabers LLP provide a voice to those who have been silenced.
5 Signs Your Family Member Is Being Abused at a Nursing Home
It can be difficult to choose a nursery home for a loved one, and when you suscept abuse is happening, you may need to call a Sioux Falls nursing home lawyer. While most nursing homes provide exceptional care for their residents, there are unfortunate instances of abuse and neglect that can occur behind closed doors. Recognizing the signs of abuse is crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of your loved one. Let’s discuss five warning signs that may indicate your family member is being abused at a nursing home. If you notice any of these signs, taking swift legal action may be necessary to protect your loved one and hold those responsible accountable.
1. Unexplained Physical Injuries:
Unexplained physical injuries, including burns, fractures, bruises, and cuts shouldn’t be ignored. While occasional accidents can happen, a pattern of unexplained injuries or injuries that don’t align with your family member’s medical history should raise concern. Pay attention to any explanations provided by the nursing home staff, but remain vigilant and consider seeking an independent medical evaluation to determine the cause of the injuries.
2. Emotional and Behavioral Changes:
Abuse can severely impact your or your loved one’s emotional state and well-being. If your loved one displays sudden and unexplained emotional or behavioral changes, it might be a sign of abuse. Look for signs of depression, anxiety, fear, withdrawal, or sudden mood swings. Additionally, an abused individual may become hesitant to communicate openly or show fear of certain staff members, further hinting at potential mistreatment.
3. Unsanitary Living Conditions:
You should always take a moment to inspect your family member’s living conditions and not hesitate to call a Sioux Falls nursing home lawyer if you suscept foul play. Neglected residents may be subjected to unclean living spaces, soiled bedding, or improper hygiene practices. These conditions can be detrimental to their physical and mental health, making it essential to address any concerns promptly.
4. Unexpected Weight Loss or Dehydration:
Unexplained weight loss or dehydration could indicate neglect or inadequate care at the nursing home. Malnutrition and dehydration can lead to severe health issues in elderly individuals, compromising their immune system and overall well-being. Keep track of your loved one’s eating and drinking habits, and take note of any concerning changes.
5. Lack of Proper Medical Attention:
Families often move their loved ones into a nursing home precisely so that they can obtain proper medical attention. If you notice a consistent lack of attention to their medical needs, such as delayed medication administration, missed doctor’s appointments, or inadequate response to health concerns, it could be a sign of neglect or abuse. Regularly communicate with the nursing home staff about your loved one’s medical needs and ensure they are addressed promptly and appropriately.
What to Do If You Suspect Abuse:
When you suscept your family member might be a victim of nursing home abuse, you should take the following actions:
- Document your concerns: Keep a detailed record of any signs of abuse you’ve noticed, along with dates and descriptions.
- Communicate with your loved one: Encourage open communication with your family member to understand their feelings and experiences in the nursing home.
- Report the abuse: Contact the nursing home management to report your concerns and request an investigation.
- Seek legal advice: Consult with an experienced attorney who specializes in nursing home abuse cases to understand your legal options and rights.
Recognizing the signs of nursing home abuse is essential for protecting your elderly family member from harm. Be vigilant and attentive during visits to the nursing home, and trust your instincts if you suspect any form of abuse or neglect. If you discover any of the warning signs mentioned above, don’t hesitate to take appropriate action. Seek immediate medical attention for your loved one, report your concerns to the nursing home management, and consider consulting with a knowledgeable attorney to ensure your family member’s safety and rights are safeguarded. Reach out to a Sioux Falls nursing home lawyer from The Law Offices of Clayborne, Loos & Sabers LLP today!