Nursing home negligence caused by poor hygienic care and unsanitary conditions can pose a severe threat to the lives of residents, unfairly forced to live in such circumstances. Distressing reports from the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) make for grim reading about this growing and nationwide problem.
When a nursing home fails to provide the appropriate standard of care as defined in state laws, resulting in harm to residents, it is considered by law to be a type of abuse called neglect.
If you have an aging loved one you believe is seriously ill as the result of neglect, you have the right to pursue compensation. Defending the rights and wellbeing of vulnerable people is our aim at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm. Discuss your concerns in a free case review by calling today.
The Life-Threatening Effects of Neglect
The cost of nursing home care can run into thousands of dollars per year. It is reasonable to expect that your loved one should receive a good standard of care, especially if they remain dependent on nursing staff to help them with their personal care needs.
Older people are more at risk from the results of poor hygiene as their immune systems cannot tolerate infection with preexisting health conditions related to their advanced age. For the acceptable hygienic and sanitary environment, nursing homes must provide:
- Clean and sanitary living conditions free from dirt, fleas, lice, and unpleasant odors.
- Clean clothing and bedding.
- Well-maintained and sterile medical equipment, especially if it is shared, such as standing aids and tray tables, for example.
- Staff who adhere to safe practice in personal and resident care and hygiene.
- Assistance to residents with toileting, bathing, and washing, fresh clothing, regularly changed diapers, appropriately dressed wounds, and appropriate dental and grooming care.
When caregivers fail to uphold this standard of care, any resulting infection can endanger the life of an already vulnerable person. Examples of such conditions are E-coli, MRSA, and sepsis, according to Mayo Clinic. This terrible and unfair neglect can also negatively impact their psychological wellbeing and self-worth or prove fatal.
Signs of Poor Hygiene or Sanitation to Watch Out For
When you next visit your loved one, there are signs of neglect that you can look out for. If you notice any of the following from your loved one, it may indicate poor sanitation or hygiene in the nursing home:
- Unkempt appearance
- Dirty, stained or soiled clothing
- Bad personal odor
- Poor dental hygiene
- Pressure sores that do not heal
- Urinary tract infections from improper catheter care
- Withdrawn or odd behavior
- A dirty bathroom or living environment
- Soiled bedding
- Bedsores
- The poor condition or appearance of the other residents
- General bad odors in the nursing home
Other indicators to observe are understaffing, as this can lead to mistakes and neglect in identifying and treating infection, poor nursing home sanitation, and inadequate staff training protocols for infection prevention and control.
For a free legal consultation with a New York City Soiled Clothes or Other Signs of Poor Hygiene Lawyer serving New York City, call (800) 794-0444
Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit
In cases of neglect, a New York City soiled clothes or other signs of poor hygiene lawyer can help you file a lawsuit against the nursing home or care staff. If they deliver substandard care to their residents in matters of hygiene and sanitation, or if the care facility fails to provide enough staff to manage its duty of care towards the older people who live there, you could receive compensation in lieu of:
- Medical costs for treatment and rehabilitation
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
In the tragic event of a loved one’s death, you may also be entitled to pursue damages.
New York City New York City Soiled Clothes or Other Signs of Poor Hygiene Lawyer Near Me (800) 794-0444
Seeking Legal Representation
Proving negligence is not a straightforward process, though. It requires careful investigation into what went wrong to demonstrate that the nursing home or care worker acted unreasonably towards your loved one, who then suffered illness and infection as a result. Your New York City soiled clothes or other signs of poor hygiene lawyer may be able to assist you by:
- Conducting a detailed investigation into what went wrong.
- Gathering evidence and presenting a persuasive and robust case to court.
- Bringing a blend of both legal and medical knowledge to your claim.
- Providing access to medical professionals who can offer expert testimony.
- Fighting to put an end to unlawful negligence and protect the rights of your loved one.
Nursing home abuse lawsuits can be complicated and lengthy. You only have a specific time in which to file your claim under the statute of limitations law, so seeking legal counsel sooner rather than later is recommended. According to the New York State Senate, you generally have three years to file a personal injury lawsuit.
To discover your legal options, call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm for further guidance and support through free consultations.
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We May Help You Following the Neglect of Your Elderly Loved One
If you are worried about your loved one in a nursing home, and believe they are suffering from neglect, you can take action today. Pintas & Mullins Law Firm may help you seek justice for any harm done to your family member and pursue the compensation they deserve. There are no upfront fees to pay, as we only charge fees after a settlement.
Call or text (800) 794-0444 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
