Trenton Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
Request a Free ConsultationNursing homes and assisted living facilities provide essential care and support to thousands of seniors in Trenton and throughout New Jersey. However, it is a sad fact that intentional abuse and neglect run rampant in these places.
All nursing homes have a duty to care to protect the wellbeing of their residents. This includes a duty to both ensure that their basic needs are cared for and to prevent the onset of any new injuries or illnesses. Any failure to live up to this duty may be the source of a nursing home abuse claim.
A Trenton nursing home abuse lawyer could help injured residents and their families hold negligent nursing homes liable for their failures. Dedicated injury attorneys can work to help you build a comprehensive claim that considers the true cost nursing home abuse had on your loved one.
Nursing Home Residents in Trenton Have Legal Rights
The State enumerated nursing home resident rights in literature published by the New Jersey Department of Health. Residents have the right to:
- Entertain visitors on a daily basis
- Have physical privacy whenever possible
- Receive assistance with daily chores such as dressing, bathing, and eating
- Live in a safe, clean, and well-maintained setting
- Be free from the abuse of staff members and other residents
Any violation of these rights can be a reason for a resident or their family to file a complaint with the Department of Health. Further, a failure to adhere to these rights may indicate a neglectful environment that could be potentially dangerous to residents. A Trenton nursing home injury lawyer can further explain the rights nursing home residents deserve.
Common Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
The standards nursing homes must meet are a requirement to keep their residents in good health and free from any accidental injury. In fact, most allegations of nursing home abuse do not arise from staff intentionally causing injuries but rather from negligence or failing to take the proper actions to prevent accidents. Common examples of these injuries include:
- Bedsores from not being turned while bedridden
- Malnutrition from not overseeing proper dietary needs
- Broken bones resulting from falls due to a lack of safety equipment
- Infections from dirty surroundings or improperly administered IV medications
Any of these instances can be the factual basis behind an accidental injury claim. However, when intentional abuse inflicted by staff members causes an injury, it is also actionable.
Nursing homes are notorious for not performing proper background checks on nursing assistants and aides. As a result, many workers with a history of abuse are allowed to interact with residents every day. If these workers intentionally harm a resident by using an unapproved form of physical restraint or even verbally abusing them, that resident may have a claim against the nursing home.
How a Trenton Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Can Help
Nursing homes are supposed to provide a safe and comfortable environment for residents to live out their golden years. Sadly, it is a common event in nursing homes for neglect and intentional abuse. Conditions such as broken bones, bedsores, and infections can take a heavy toll on a person who is already in frail health.
A Trenton nursing home abuse lawyer could help these residents and their families demand compensation for their injuries. This can include payments for the costs of medical treatment as well as for any mental trauma. There is a time limit to file a claim so do not hesitate. Let our lawyers work to attempt to set things right.