Practice Areas
Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
Nursing home abuse is a tragic reality for many senior citizens. Nursing home patients are entitled to the highest levels of care that can be practically provided, but instead many suffer from medication errors, malnutrition, dehydration, pressure ulcers, falls, sexual abuse, physical assaults, and illegal restraints.
Understaffing is often at the root of the neglect and abuse of nursing home patients. Most nursing homes are for-profit meaning they have a financial incentive to minimize operating expenses. The number one operating expense for nursing homes is staffing. Therefore, many nursing homes keep pay artificially low and remain understaffed. For the overworked and underpaid nurses, the working environment is highly stressful. Predictably patient care suffers. Patients suffer serious injuries and perhaps most importantly they are denied the dignity they deserve.
Filing nursing home complaints brings attention to the abuse of the elderly and creates a strong incentive for nursing homes to provide sufficient staff to prevent the abuse and neglect of their patients.
Assisted Living Facilities Lawyers in Virginia
Assisted living facilities are licensed to provide care to persons who need help with their activities of daily living including bathing, toileting, dressing, eating, and administering medication. Unfortunately many assisted living facilities fail to provide adequately trained staff and safe facilities resulting in serious injuries and even death. Examples include malnutrition, dehydration, pressure ulcers, medication errors, and fall injuries.
Pressure Sores
Tragically, too many nursing home residents suffer from open pressure sores. Pressure sores are caused by the body being left in the same position for too long. Pressure prevents the flow of blood which carries oxygen to the skin and tissues. Overtime, the lack of oxygen causes the skin and tissues to die. Patients with pressure sores are prone to life threatening infections.
Restraints in Nursing Homes
The law firm of Williamson and Lavecchia, L.C. represents patients in nursing homes and assisted living facilities injured due to the use of restraints, or have been injured due to the lack of use of them. Restraining patients in nursing homes is sometimes a necessary aspect of caring for the elderly. However, irresponsible use can lead to severe injuries or death. If a loved one has been injured due to the improper use of restraints, please contact Williamson and Lavecchia, L.C. for a free case assessment.
Medication Errors
We represent victims of medication errors in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Nursing home patients and residents of assisted living facilities are particularly vulnerable to serious medication errors. Most patients are taking numerous medications that must be taken at the correct dose and at the correct time. Due to advanced age and illnesses these patients often rely upon their caregivers to ensure that their medications are taken correctly. Errors by overworked nurses can cause serious injuries and even death. On our website we provide information about the dangers of medication errors and steps that can be taken to prevent medication errors.
Malnutrition and Dehydration
Nearly 14,000 nursing home residents died of malnutrition and dehydration between 1999-2002 according to an investigation by the Detroit News which was based on federal records. A study by the Commonwealth Fund found that at least 1/3 of the nation’s nursing home patients may suffer from malnutrition and dehydration. The Commonwealth Fund is a private foundation that supports research to promote improvements in health care. The attorneys at Williamson & Lavecchia, LC are experienced at representing patients who are victims of malnutrition and dehydration in nursing homes.
Nursing Home Slip and Fall Injuries
Fall injuries in nursing homes are one of the most preventable and serious injuries a patient may suffer. Fall injuries are often due to insufficient staff and nursing homes that fail to implement fall precautions such as frequent checks, bed alarms, and responding to call bells. Nursing home falls cause hip fractures which lead to immobility, pressure ulcers, and frequently deadly infections.