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Advocating Nursing Home Abuse Victims in Cleveland
Injuries in a nursing home setting may happen when the nursing home fails to employ sufficient staff or staff members make serious medical mistakes. If you or a loved one suffered an injury or illness in a nursing home and you suspect negligence on the facility's part, always take legal action right away.
The experienced Cleveland nursing home injury lawyers at Crandall & Pera Law, LLC can immediately begin investigating your loved one’s circumstances and take the appropriate legal steps on their behalf.
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with an experienced Cleveland nursing home injury lawyer, please call us or contact us online today.
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Table of Contents
- Why Choose Us as Your Nursing Home Injury Lawyers in Cleveland?
- Recovering Compensation for a Cleveland Nursing Home Injury
- Common Locations for Nursing Home Injuries in Cleveland
- Types of Nursing Home Negligence that Causes Resident Injuries
- Types of Resident Injuries That Can Result from Nursing Home Negligence
- Fighting the Insurance Company after a Nursing Home Injury
- Steps to Take After a Loved One Suffers an Injury in a Nursing Home
Why Choose Us as Your Nursing Home Injury Lawyers in Cleveland?
Nursing home injuries are an unfortunate but all too common occurrence. If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a nursing home setting as a result of the facility’s or an employee's negligence, immediately retain legal help. At Crandall & Pera Law, LLC, we can investigate your loved one's situation immediately and determine your legal options.
If we file a claim on your behalf, we can negotiate with the nursing home's insurance company and pursue compensation for your loved one. Unlike many law firms, however, we are not afraid to litigate a claim in the court system if the situation warrants it.
You can see some of our most recent case results on our site, and we can provide additional client testimonials. Our office is conveniently located at 850 Euclid Avenue, #1122, Cleveland, OH 44114.
Let us support you and pursue the compensation your loved one deserves in a nursing home abuse or neglect case.
Recovering Compensation for a Cleveland Nursing Home Injury
In Cleveland, monetary damages may be available to compensate for their losses and suffering when a nursing home resident sustains an injury. These damages aim to address the financial and emotional toll that the injury caused.
Compensatory damages are one form of monetary relief. They seek to reimburse the victim for their actual losses incurred due to the injury. This can include medical expenses for hospitalization, surgery, medications, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care.
In addition, compensatory damages may cover lost income if the injury prevents the resident from working, as well as compensation for the pain and suffering endured.
Another potential avenue for compensation is punitive damages. These seek to punish the wrongdoer and discourage similar misconduct in the future. However, the availability and amount of punitive damages can vary based on jurisdictional laws and the severity of the wrongdoing.
In Cleveland, the injured party may pursue punitive damages in cases of extreme negligence or intentional harm.
Family members of the injured nursing home resident may also seek damages. In instances where the injury leads to the resident’s wrongful death, family members may pursue compensation for loss of companionship, funeral expenses, and related costs.
The damages the injured party may receive in a Cleveland nursing home injury case depends on several factors, including the extent of the injury, the financial losses incurred, and the jurisdiction’s legal precedents.
Whether damages seem substantial or more modest, seeking justice is always important for injured nursing home residents.
The goal of damages in Cleveland nursing home injury cases is to provide fair compensation to victims and their families while holding wrongdoers accountable for their actions.
These damages strive to address both the tangible and intangible losses resulting from nursing home injuries, offering financial relief and justice to the victim.
Common Locations for Nursing Home Injuries in Cleveland
In Cleveland, nursing home injuries resulting from negligence can occur in various locations within the facility, posing serious risks to the well-being of residents.
One prevalent area for nursing home injuries due to negligence is the resident’s room. Rooms can become hazardous environments if not properly maintained or supervised.
Neglecting to address issues such as inadequate lighting, malfunctioning equipment, or cluttered pathways can increase the likelihood of accidents, such as slips, falls, or injuries from improperly adjusted bed rails.
Communal areas, including hallways, dining rooms, and recreational spaces, are also susceptible to nursing home injuries resulting from negligence. These areas often experience high traffic and activity levels, making them prone to hazards such as wet floors, loose carpeting, or obstacles obstructing walkways.
Inadequate supervision or staffing levels can increase these risks as residents may not receive the assistance or support they need to navigate these spaces safely.
Bathrooms within nursing homes are another common location for injuries resulting from negligence. Failure to maintain proper safety measures, such as installing grab bars or ensuring slip-resistant surfaces, can lead to accidents during bathing, toileting, or grooming activities. In addition, neglecting to provide adequate assistance or supervision in the bathroom can increase the likelihood of injuries among residents with mobility issues or cognitive impairments.
Furthermore, common areas such as lounges or activity rooms may become sites of nursing home injuries due to negligence. Lack of maintenance, faulty equipment, or inadequate supervision can create hazardous conditions for residents engaging in recreational activities or socializing.
Finally, outdoor areas such as gardens or courtyards can pose risks to residents if neglected. Failure to address hazards such as uneven pathways, inadequate handrails, or weather-related dangers like snow or ice accumulation can easily result
Types of Nursing Home Negligence that Causes Resident Injuries
Nursing home negligence can manifest in various forms, leading to injuries among residents.
Common examples of types of negligence include:
- One common cause of nursing home negligence is inadequate staffing. When facilities are understaffed, caregivers may struggle to give residents the attention and assistance they need. This can result in delayed responses to residents’ requests for help, overlooked medical issues, or missed opportunities for intervention to prevent accidents. Inadequate staffing can also lead to neglect of basic care needs, such as assistance with mobility or hygiene, increasing the risk of injuries like falls or bedsores.
- Another form of negligence is medication errors. Mishandling medications, administering incorrect dosages, or failing to monitor residents for adverse reactions can have serious consequences. Residents may experience harmful side effects, drug interactions, or worsening medical conditions due to medication errors. These errors can lead to injuries such as overdoses, allergic reactions, or complications from untreated medical conditions.
- Neglect of safety measures is another common cause of resident injuries in nursing homes. Facilities have a duty to maintain a safe environment for residents, including addressing hazards such as slippery floors, broken equipment, or inadequate lighting. Failure to implement and enforce safety protocols can result in accidents such as slips, falls, or injuries from malfunctioning equipment. Besides that, neglecting to provide proper supervision during activities or assistance with mobility can increase the risk of accidents and injuries.
- Poor infection control practices can also contribute to resident injuries in nursing homes. Neglecting proper hygiene protocols, such as hand washing, disinfecting surfaces, or isolation procedures for contagious illnesses, can result in the spread of infections among residents. Infections can lead to serious complications, particularly among elderly or immunocompromised individuals, including hospitalizations, long-term health issues, or even death.
- Finally, nursing home abuse is an unacceptable yet common occurrence in Cleveland facilities. Sometimes, staff or others on site cause intentional physical or mental harm to residents.
Types of Resident Injuries That Can Result from Nursing Home Negligence
Nursing home negligence can lead to patient injuries, ranging from mild discomfort to severe harm. These injuries can result from a lack of proper care, insufficient supervision, or outright neglect by staff members.
Common patient injuries include:
- Pressure Ulcers - One common type of injury is pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores. These painful wounds develop when patients are in the same position for extended periods without proper repositioning. If not promptly treated, pressure ulcers can lead to serious complications, including infections and tissue damage.
- Fall Injuries - Falls are another significant concern in nursing homes. Patients may be at risk of falling due to mobility issues, medication side effects, or environmental hazards such as wet floors or inadequate lighting. Falls can result in fractures, head injuries, and other serious injuries, particularly among elderly residents who may already be frail.
- Malnutrition and Dehydration - Malnutrition and dehydration are often overlooked but significant issues in nursing homes. Patients may not receive adequate nutrition or fluids due to neglect, improper feeding assistance, or understaffing. Malnutrition and dehydration can lead to weakness, fatigue, compromised immune function, and other serious health complications.
- Physical Injuries - When residents are in accidents due to neglect or are victims of intentional abuse, they can suffer many different traumatic injuries. These can include contusions, fractures, head trauma, lacerations, and more.
- Emotional and Psychological Injuries - Finally, emotional and psychological injuries can result from nursing home negligence. Patients may experience neglect, abuse, or social isolation, leading to depression, anxiety, and diminished quality of life.
Fighting the Insurance Company after a Nursing Home Injury
Fighting an insurance company after a nursing home injury due to negligence can be challenging, but it is essential to pursue justice and compensation.
Here is a guide to navigating this process:
- Gather Evidence - Collect all relevant documents, including medical records, incident reports, and witness statements. These will strengthen your case.
- Seek Legal Counsel - Consider hiring a lawyer experienced in nursing home abuse cases. At Crandall & Pera Law, LLC, we can provide guidance and represent your interests effectively.
- Review the Insurance Policy - Carefully examine your insurance policy to understand coverage limits and procedures for filing claims.
- File a Claim -— Submit a claim to the insurance company detailing the injury, negligence, and requested compensation. Provide supporting evidence to strengthen your claim’s validity.
- Negotiate - Expect the insurance company to offer a settlement, but be prepared to negotiate for a fair amount. Your lawyer can assist in negotiations and ensure your rights are protected.
- Consider Mediation or Arbitration - If negotiations stall, mediation or arbitration can be alternative dispute resolution methods. These processes can help reach a resolution without going to court.
- File a Lawsuit - If all else fails, you may need to file a lawsuit against the nursing home and insurance company. Your lawyer will guide you through the legal process and represent you in court.
- Prepare for Trial - If your case goes to trial, gather additional evidence, prepare witnesses, and trust in your legal representation to present a compelling case.
- Follow Legal Procedures - Adhere to all legal procedures and deadlines throughout the process to avoid jeopardizing the case.
- Stay Persistent - Fighting an insurance company can be lengthy and stressful, but persistence is key. Stay focused on seeking justice for the injury the negligence caused.
By following these steps and seeking legal assistance, you can effectively fight the insurance company and pursue rightful compensation for a nursing home injury due to negligence.
Steps to Take After a Loved One Suffers an Injury in a Nursing Home
If your loved one suffers an injury in a nursing home due to negligence, taking immediate action is crucial.
Important steps to ensure their well-being and seek justice include:
- Ensure Safety and Medical Attention - If your loved one suffers an injury, ensure that they receive prompt medical attention. Their health and safety should be the top priority.
- Document the Incident - Gather details about the injury, including what happened, when and where, and any witnesses present. Take photos of the injury and the environment where it occurred.
- Report to Authorities - Notify the nursing home administration and appropriate authorities, such as state health departments or adult protective services, about the incident. If necessary, file a formal complaint.
- Collect Evidence - Gather relevant documents, including medical records, incident reports, and communication with the nursing home staff. These will be essential in building a strong case.
- Communicate with the Nursing Home - Maintain open communication with the nursing home administration regarding the injury and your concerns. Document all conversations and interactions.
- Monitor Your Loved One’s Well-being - Stay vigilant about your loved one’s physical and emotional well-being. Advocate for their needs and ensure they receive proper care and support.
- Consider Alternative Living Arrangements - If necessary, explore alternative living arrangements for your loved one, such as transferring to a different nursing home or receiving in-home care.
By taking these important steps on behalf of your loved one, you can protect their rights, ensure accountability for negligence, and promote their overall well-being. From there, our team can begin handling the legal aspects of your loved one’s case and pursuing the compensation they deserve.
Speak With Our Cleveland Nursing Home Injury Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one suffered an injury in a nursing home setting, the legal team at Crandall & Pera Law, LLC is ready to advocate for you. We can explore all your legal options and take the necessary steps to secure the compensation you or your loved one needs.
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with an experienced Cleveland nursing home abuse attorney, please call us or contact us online today