Over the past several years, it has become apparent that abuse and neglect in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities is a nationwide crisis. The prevalence of this mistreatment is staggering. The National Council on Aging estimates that each year at least 5 million Americans suffer as a result of some form of elder abuse. Much of this elder abuse occurs in nursing homes and other long-term care and residential facilities that cater to older Americans. One form of elder abuse that isn’t often discussed when the media reports on nursing home mistreatment involve medical malpractice.
Medical Malpractice Basics
Medical providers—including individual practitioners, nurses, and technicians, as well as medical facilities—are held to a certain duty of care under the law. Once a patient relationship has been established, a provider is bound to treat that patient with the same level of care that any other reasonably competent provider would under similar circumstances. If a patient is provided with substandard care and suffers harm as a result, that provider may potentially be held liable for medical malpractice.
Identifying the Signs of Medical Malpractice
As an experienced Philadelphia medical malpractice lawyer – including those who practice at Wieand Law Firm, LLC – can clarify in greater detail, the signs of medical malpractice in a long-term care facility resident may not be as obvious as one might think. As the consequences of medical malpractice range from acquiring a preventable infection to suffering the effects of a medication error, there is no single way to identify the harmful effects of medical negligence. This is one of the many reasons why, if you suspect that your loved one may be a victim of medical malpractice, you should speak with an attorney about the unique ins and outs of your loved one’s situation.
Exploring Your Legal Options
If you suspect that a loved one has suffered as a result of medical malpractice that has occurred while your loved one was residing in a long-term care facility, it is time to speak with an attorney about your concerns. Scheduling a risk-free consultation will not obligate you to take legal action. These meetings are confidential and simply help to ensure that those who may need legal help can receive personalized feedback from a legal professional.
Because you may serve as your loved one’s “voice” while they are in danger, it is important to treat your suspicions with the seriousness that they deserve. Connect with an attorney to learn more about your rights and options—and to clarify whether your loved one’s situation should be investigated further—today. Don’t wait. Your loved one’s safety and wellbeing may hang in the balance.
