It is not uncommon for older Americans and some disabled Americans to decide to live in a nursing home facility to care for their needs and keep them safe. When victims and families are let down by a nursing home, victims may suffer physical and psychological harm.
Victims of nursing home abuse and their families should be familiar with the legal protections available to them when they have been harmed by nursing home staff in a nursing home. It is important for victims and their families to be aware that there are a variety of ways a nursing home can be liable for the harm suffered by victims. Nursing homes may be responsible for negligence, violations of regulations or licensing requirements, abuse and false imprisonment of residents.
Nursing homes may face investigations, criminal charges or civil liability for harm they have caused to victims. They may be liable for negligent personal supervision and care of patients; negligent hiring and retention of employees; negligent maintenance of the premises; and negligent selection and maintenance of equipment. As part of a claim for damages, the victim or the victim’s family demonstrates that the nursing home was negligent and may be able to recover damages for the physical, financial and emotional harm they have suffered.
Because nursing homes should be safe places for residents and places that family members can trust the care of their loved ones to, it is important for victims of nursing home abuse or neglect to be familiar with the legal protections available to them. Victims and their families should be aware of the legal resources and remedies that hold negligent nursing homes accountable for any harm they have caused.