There may come a time when you have to make the difficult decision to place your loved one in a long-term care facility. These facilities are often referred to as nursing homes. It is a comfortable place where your loved one will be taken care of around the clock. Unfortunately, there are times when this is not the case and abuse happens. If you wish to file a complaint against the long-term care facility you will need the help of a Philadelphia nursing home abuse attorney.
Medical records
One of the most crucial pieces of evidence is the patient’s medical records. These records can provide a complete view of patient care and can show where abuse may have occurred. Records may include diagnostic tests and imaging, hospitalization records, and each time medical staff entered the room. Sometimes, patients will suffer malnutrition which will later appear on medical records. Lacerations and fractures will also appear on medical records and can serve as evidence that something is amiss. Your Philadelphia nursing home abuse attorney will use these records to show how the negligent actions of the facility and its staff led to an injury.
Nursing logs
In nearly any nursing home facility there are extensive nursing logs. This tracking system shows every interaction between your loved one and those on the nursing staff. If these records are unaltered they will show who may be to blame for the abuse and neglect suffered by your loved one. It can be hard to pinpoint and will take some research as a pattern must be detected. This may also show that there are other patients who may be suffering from similar treatment while in the facility. You will need to hire a Philadelphia nursing home abuse attorney to help you decipher these logs and hold the correct parties responsible.
Surveillance footage
While rare, some cases of abuse may have been captured on video. This can be difficult to obtain since this footage not only shows the abuse by the caretakers but also brings into question the practices of the facility. They will not be willing to provide the footage, if there is any, willingly which is why you will need the help of a Philadelphia nursing home abuse attorney.
Photographs
When you go visit your loved one, check them to see if there are any signs of abuse or neglect such as bed sores or bruises. If you do see these signs, take pictures of them. Also, take pictures of the living conditions provided to your loved one and if you notice any changes through the visits. These photographs can be essential to your case.
Eyewitness accounts
If your loved one is being neglected or abused eyewitness accounts can go a long way. Eyewitnesses can include visitors, other residents, family, and even other staff who may have witnessed the abuse. If your loved one is able to speak for themselves they can also provide a witness account of the extent of the abuse or neglect.
Schedule a case evaluation with Kwartler Manus today
You and your loved one may be entitled to damages for some of the following associated with the neglect and abuse of your loved one:
- Home care expenses
- Ongoing rehabilitation
- Relocation of the victim
- Additional medical care needed
- Vehicle modifications
- Home modifications
You may also be entitled to other damages such as non-economic damages for depression, anxiety, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and pain and suffering. If your loved one tragically passes away as a result of the abuse and neglect sustained at a nursing home, the family may be entitled to survivor’s benefits through a wrongful death claim.
There are several types of abuse and neglect that your loved one may suffer from at the hands of nursing home staff. If you are ready to file a complaint against the facility, gather as much evidence as possible and schedule a consultation with a Philadelphia nursing home abuse attorney from Kwartler Manus LLC by calling (267) 457-5570 today.