Families place loved ones in nursing homes and assisted living facilities trusting that they will be safe and well cared for. When a facility fails to provide adequate staffing, supervision or medical care, residents can suffer serious and sometimes fatal harm.
Warning Signs of Neglect or Abuse
- Bedsores or unexplained wounds
- Repeated falls, fractures or bruises
- Sudden weight loss, dehydration or poor hygiene
- Unexplained changes in mood, fear of staff or withdrawal
- Medication errors or missed medical care
Who May Be Responsible
Nursing home operators, management companies, individual caregivers and, in some cases, contracted medical providers may share responsibility. Many facilities are subject to federal and state regulations, and inspection reports can provide important evidence.
Steps Families Can Take
- Document what you observe with photographs and notes
- Report concerns to the facility administrator in writing
- Contact your state's long-term care ombudsman or adult protective services
- Call 911 if a resident is in immediate danger
How We Can Help
We obtain care plans, staffing records, incident reports and state inspection findings to establish what went wrong, and we pursue compensation for the harm your loved one has suffered.