When we put our loved ones in the care of others, we expect them to be treated and cared for in a safe, loving and therapeutic environment. Many nursing homes have received state sanctions for not operating under appropriate safety and functioning guidelines. Unfortunate as it is, not every nursing home is able to properly care for your loved one. The Massachusetts nursing home abuse lawyers of Gilman Law, LLP recognize that nursing home abuse remains substantial throughout the State of Massachusetts. Our lawyers are here to help nursing home abuse victims and their families recover compensation for their injuries and hold those legally responsible for damages as a result of the tragic events that took place at the nursing facility. For years, our Massachusetts nursing home abuse lawyers have assisted many helpless victims of nursing home abuse with understanding their legal rights and protection laws that are put in place to prevent nursing home abuse.
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Although no one is completely safe from the threat of nursing home abuse, there are preventative measures that can be used to help avoid any potential abuse from occurring. When choosing the nursing home that best meets you or your loved one’s needs, a review of available information pertaining to potential facilities in your area is key. It’s a good idea to look at certain data from each nursing home in comparison to the next before making the final decision.
The type of information to look for and compare between nursing homes include, for instance, the following:
- The nursing home’s measure of quality;
- Safety inspections;
- Results of inspections;
- Accident reports;
- Prior complaints filed against the agency;
- Reported health inspection data;
- Nursing home quality ratings;
- Educational requirements, training and background checks of nursing home staff;
- Compare the type of care that is provided at the facility with the level of care the potential resident needs;
- Observe the current residents appearance for any signs of improper grooming or dress for the time of the season; and
- Inspect the nursing home living spaces for things that maybe out of the ordinary such as lighting, odors, cleanliness, dangerous hazards and inappropriate or lack thereof interaction between staff and residents.
An adequate review and comparison between nursing homes will assist you in making the appropriate long-term care choice for you or your loved one and may even prevent exposure to nursing home abuse. It is a sad reality, however, that nursing home abuse still may occur regardless of what research or precautionary methods are done to try and prevent it happening to yourself or your loved family member.
If you or your loved one has suffered from abuse in a nursing home, our Massachusetts nursing home abuse lawyers understand you feel victimized. Fortunately, we are here to help you seek justice against the nursing home or responsible parties who caused you abuse and injuries, in violation of your rights and protections as a nursing home resident under Federal and state laws.
If you suspect you or your loved ones rights have been violated and unprotected, we urge you to seek appropriate legal counsel to protect your valuable rights as a nursing home resident. The Massachusetts nursing home abuse lawyers of Gilman Law, LLP are here to assist you understand and protect these rights.
The following are examples of a nursing home resident’s rights and protections under Federal and State laws:
- A resident of a nursing home has the right to be in a safe environment that is not negligent nor abusive. This includes any type of abuse whether it be mentally, verbally, sexually or physically.
- A resident of a nursing home has the right to be physically unrestrained, meaning, a nursing facility is not allowed to use of physical restraints such as a bedding rail nor are drugs aloud to chemically restrain a resident at the staff’s convenience.
- A resident of a nursing home has the right to be treated without discrimination and comply with the laws surround Civil Rights, which state the facility is not to discriminate against a resident regardless of that persons age, race, color, origin, any particular disability, or religion.
- A resident of a nursing home has the right to receive proper medical care and information pertaining to treatment.
- A resident of a nursing home has the right to establish a complaint with the nursing home staff and others and have their concern dealt with promptly and without any punishment for making the complaint.
- A resident of a nursing home has the right to have their concerns reported and investigated when suspected violation of their rights as a nursing home resident is compromised.
- A resident of a nursing home has the right to a prompt investigation by the facility for any injuries sustained which have no known origin.
- A resident of a nursing home has the right to participate freely inappropriate activities and programs which are designed to match the needs of their and other residents care.
- A resident of a nursing home has the right to be treated with respect and dignity during their stay at a nursing home.
- A resident of a nursing home has the right to have a say in which decisions to participate in which affect their care.
- A resident of a nursing home has the right to freely express any grievances or complaints they may have about their care or treatment to the nursing home facility, without fear of punishment or resentment for their concerns.
If you have questions about the legal rights and protection laws for nursing home residences or feel that you or your loved one has suffered damages or injuries as a result of nursing home abuse, our experienced Massachusetts nursing home abuse lawyers are here to answer your questions and help you receive fair compensation of your claim against those facilities where the abuse occurred.
Legal Help for Victims of Nursing Home Abuse in the State of Massachusetts
Our Massachusetts nursing home abuse lawyers have helped hundreds of victims and their families recover from these tragedies. If you have been injured or suspect abuse in a nursing home, contact our office, we work hard to make sure you receive the compensation you deserve.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a Massachusetts as a result of nursing home abuse, you have valuable legal rights. Please fill out our online form, or call 1 800 LAW INFO (1-800-529-4636) to discuss your case with one of the experienced Massacusetts nursing home lawyers at our firm, Gilman Law, LLP.