The Dangers of Delaware Nursing Home Neglect
From prolonged suffering to death by starvation, some nursing homes in the past have been found guilty of negligence through severe neglect of their residents. Considering that people pay good money to be taken care of in nursing homes, this can come as quite a surprise. Not every nursing home is the same and some are more dysfunctional than others. Being aware of the types of neglect that can happen might be able to help you take action to stop neglect. You can also talk with a Delaware Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer if you want to sue for Delaware nursing home abuse.
TYPES OF DELAWARE NURSING HOME NEGLECT
Neglect can happen in a variety of different ways, many of which can remain unknown until the damage is done. Being aware of some of the most common types of nursing home neglect can help you identify neglect sooner than later to put a stop before any permanent damage is done. What can make this complicated is how to delineate between real and suspected neglect, something an experienced lawyer can help with.
In general, neglect is legally defined as the failure of a provider to prevent a person from physical or mental harm. The technical details of this failure outline not giving the goods and services needed to prevent such harm. Federal laws also prohibit nursing homes from even hiring someone with a history of neglecting other people so if you suspect this, you might be able to take legal action.
Not providing goods or services in a nursing home can lead to residents who:
- Suffer mental distress
- Become dangerously dehydrated
- Starve or lose weight at an unhealthy level
- Bedsores
- Infections
- Worsening symptoms when concerns are ignored
- Poor hygiene
- Rashes
Something as simple as not cleaning the patient’s wounds regularly can lead to deadly infections. Consider talking to a lawyer if you suspect neglect.
CAN I SUE FOR DELAWARE NURSING HOME NEGLECT?
When it comes to neglect, not everyone realizes they can file a Delaware medical malpractice lawsuit when neglect causes harm. Not all cases of this have to involve physical harm. Mental harm can also warrant a medical malpractice claim.
The hardest part with filing a Delaware medical malpractice claim for neglect is proving the neglectful actions that led to your physical or mental harm. Mental harm can be harder to prove than physical harm due to the subjective nature of mental damages. Working with a lawyer who has experience in nursing home abuse cases might be your best bet at a successful lawsuit. A lawyer will know what evidence can substantiate any psychological harm you suffered.
NURSING HOME LAWYER IN DELAWARE
Nursing home neglect can go undetected for months or even years, often with lifelong damage. Consider seeking help from a Delaware Medical Malpractice Attorney if you suffered from the negative consequences of neglect. Call Edelstein Martin & Nelson today by dialing (302) 295-5050 for a free consultation. You could potentially be offered compensation for your nursing home bills, pain and suffering, and other damages. Our experienced legal team of Delaware malpractice lawyers can be found in Wilmington, Delaware.
