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When faced with the tough decision to place your mother or father in a nursing home, you never want to consider that one day you will be filing a wrongful death lawsuit. For most nursing and assisted living homes in the Melbourne, FL area, you don’t have to worry about your loved ones. Most staff and physicians are compassionate and diligent to uphold the promises they make to you. But sometimes there is negligence or abuse and accidents do happen. The rights of your loved ones are protected by the law for compensation.
Watch for Early Signs of Neglect
Any time you visit your loved one, take note of the facility and staff members. Look for signs in your family member that their health is failing for reasons other than their diagnosed conditions. If they can communicate with you, ask them how they are being treated, but be prepared to hear that things are going just fine. Parents will often tell their children things are okay just to keep them from worrying or feeling guilty. Look for some of these other warning signs as well:
- Mismanagement of medications
- Unkempt bedding and soiled clothing
- Unexplained bruises, cuts, scrapes and/or burns
- Dehydration and malnourishment, may be evidenced by rapid weight loss
- Broken bones
- Financial discrepancies
Help for Your Loved One
Oftentimes injuries will be covered up by ‘accidents’ such as a fall in the shower. Such excuses are unacceptable. Seniors at risk should never be left unattended in areas such as the shower or toilet, common places for falls to occur. Broken bones are often the catalyst for a downward spiral in health complications. Abused and neglected seniors will often pass away before unhealthy seniors who are given proper care.
Nursing Home Liability
Anytime a healthcare worker does not uphold their professional obligation to keep their senior clients safe and well looked after, there is a potential for a lawsuit to bring compensation. In the event of wrongful death cases, compensation can be pursued to cover such costs as:
- Funeral expenses
- Medical bills related to negligent injuries
- Loss of companionship
Nursing home liability can be a complex aspect of civil law. If you are concerned about the conditions your loved one is in, let a personal injury attorney give you the right legal advice on what to do and help determine if you do in fact have a valid case. If you suspect wrongful death, compassionate Melbourne attorneys will work with you to help bring financial compensation and closure to your family.