Experienced Attorneys for Cases Involving Medical Malpractice and Elder/Nursing Home Abuse
Medical malpractice of the elderly in nursing homes, or nursing home malpractice, can manifest in a number of ways. Both action and inaction, or neglect, can constitute malpractice of the elderly. In other words, intention or lack of attention can, and does, lead to the abuse of elders in these facilities. If you suspect that your parent, grandparent, or other loved one is a victim of nursing home malpractice it is imperative that you consult a Tampa nursing home abuse attorney right away.
Nursing Home Malpractice Defined
Your Tampa nursing home abuse lawyer will tell you that all nursing home facilities owe a duty of care to their residents. This duty of care is the foundation of all personal injury and medical malpractice claims. In essence, the duty must be breached by intention or negligence, and in turn must lead to some loss, such as injury or monetary cost.
Medical malpractice occurs when a medical professional with this duty of care to a patient breaches accepted standards of medical practice either through mistreatment or negligence. As applied to nursing home abuse, then, by this definition any action that is intentional or inaction due to neglect which causes physical harm to the elder is malpractice.
Examples of Nursing Home Malpractice
Whether or not they provide full medical services, nursing homes have an obligation to provide proper treatment for their patients. Your Tampa nursing home abuse attorney can attest, however, that all too often such is not the case. In fact, it is estimated that fully one-third of all nursing homes do not provide adequate treatment to their residents.
The responsibilities of nursing home staff are many, and a large percentage of facilities lack adequate staff and/or facilities. Nevertheless, there is no excuse for improper treatment, and when this occurs it can be considered medical malpractice. Staff must provide the following:
• Proper administration of medication
• Turning the infirm regularly to prevent bed sores
• Daily baths
• Daily walks if the resident is able
• Regularly scheduled, nutritionally complete and adequate meals
• Proper hygiene
• Medical care when needed
• Prevention of falls, malnutrition and dehydration
• Clean clothing and bedding
If your loved one is not receiving all of the services he should, you need to contact your Tampa nursing home abuse lawyer.
If You Need Help with a Medical Malpractice Claim
Nursing homes must provide appropriate and adequate care. Failure to do so constitutes medical malpractice, and if your loved one has been abused you need to speak with a Tampa nursing home abuse attorney. Call Peter Giroux at (727) 895-5399 today.