Georgia & South Carolina
Nursing Home Neglect
Compassionate Savannah Injury Lawyers Aggressively Pursuing Justice on Behalf of Residents and Their Families
At the heart of nursing home care lies the responsibility of staff to ensure residents receive safe and adequate care. Nursing home neglect jeopardizes resident safety and compromises the overall quality of care, posing a significant threat to their well-being. While nursing home staff are ideally positioned to identify and address potential harm to residents, they may contribute to the problem.
If you or someone you know has suffered injuries because of nursing home neglect, contact the experienced Savannah attorneys at Suthers & Harper. The dedicated nursing home neglect attorneys on our team have extensive experience handling these emotionally daunting and legally complex cases on behalf of older adults in Savannah. Contact our office at 800.320.2384 to schedule a free consultation with a Georgia personal injury lawyer on our team.
Identifying Nursing Home Neglect in Savannah
Spotting nursing home abuse or neglect is vital for ensuring the safety and well-being of older and vulnerable residents.
Physical Indicators
Look for unexplained bruises, cuts, or injuries, particularly in areas like the wrists, ankles, or upper arms that suggest restraint. Bedsores, poor hygiene, and sudden weight loss can also indicate neglect.
Behavioral Changes
Be attentive to sudden changes in behavior, such as withdrawal, fearfulness, or agitation, which may suggest emotional or psychological abuse. Residents may hesitate to speak openly or seem unusually anxious around certain staff members.
Financial Red Flags
Keep an eye out for unexplained withdrawals from bank accounts, changes in financial documents, or missing personal belongings, which could indicate financial exploitation.
Environmental Clues
Assess the overall cleanliness and safety of the facility. Notice if hazards such as slippery floors, inadequate lighting, or broken equipment may contribute to neglectful conditions.
Staff Attitudes and Interactions
Pay attention to how staff members interact with residents. Signs of neglect may include:
- Dismissive attitudes;
- Ignoring resident requests for assistance; and
- Refusing to allow visits from family members.
It is important to specifically note which staff members engaged in this behavior.
Resident Well-Being
Monitor residents’ overall health and appearance. Signs of neglect may include untreated medical conditions, poor personal hygiene, or inadequate nutrition.
If you suspect nursing home abuse or neglect, trust your instincts and take action. Contact our experienced attorneys for guidance on addressing your concerns and advocating for your loved one’s rights under Georgia law. We are here to support you in seeking justice and ensuring the safety of nursing home residents.
What To Do If You Suspect Neglect in a Savannah Nursing Home
If you suspect nursing home neglect in Georgia, take the following immediate steps to protect your loved one and address the situation:
Document Everything
Keep detailed records of any signs or incidents of neglect, including dates, times, and descriptions of observed behaviors or conditions.
Report Suspicions
Contact the Georgia Department of Community Health’s Healthcare Facility Regulation division to report your concerns about nursing home neglect.
Seek Medical Attention
If your loved one has suffered any injuries or health complications due to neglect, seek medical attention immediately. Document their injuries and medical treatment for evidence.
Contact a Savannah Nursing Home Neglect Attorney
Consult an experienced nursing home neglect attorney on our team to understand your legal options and rights. A Georgia nursing home abuse attorney at our office can guide you through the process of filing a complaint, gathering evidence, and pursuing compensation for your loved one’s damages.
Visit Regularly
Increase your visits to the nursing home to monitor your loved one’s well-being and ensure they receive proper care. Speak with staff members and observe the conditions of the facility firsthand.
These immediate steps can help protect your loved one from further harm and hold the nursing home accountable for neglectful practices.
Damages for Nursing Home Neglect
Under Georgia law, victims of nursing home neglect may be entitled to compensation for damages resulting from the abuse or neglect. Compensation aims to provide financial relief for the physical, emotional, and financial harm suffered by the victim. A Savannah personal injury attorney can help you identify available damages.
Medical Expenses
Victims may recover the cost of medical treatment, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, therapy, and rehabilitation services.
Pain and Suffering
Damages may be awarded for the physical pain and emotional distress experienced by the victim due to the neglect.
Emotional Distress
Compensation may be available for the psychological impact of the neglect, including anxiety, depression, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Loss of Consortium
Family members may receive compensation for the victim’s loss of companionship, support, and services.
Punitive Damages
In cases of egregious neglect or intentional misconduct, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.
It’s essential to consult with an experienced Savannah abuse and neglect attorney to understand your rights and pursue maximum compensation for your nursing home injury case.
Has Your Loved One Experienced Neglect in a Savannah Nursing Home?
If you have a loved one in a nursing home, and you believe that the facility hasn’t provided the care your family member needs and deserves, reach out to the Savannah nursing home neglect attorneys at Suthers & Harper. At Suthers & Harper, we take allegations of neglect incredibly seriously and conduct thorough investigations, which translates to strong cases. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation today, call 800.320.2384. You can also reach us through our secure online contact form.