Incidents involving nursing home abuse are sadly common in Houston. People working in positions such as nurses, orderlies, and CNAs might be inexperienced or have ill intent, resulting in instances of abuse or neglect of the vulnerable residents they are supposed to look after.
The nursing home has a responsibility to keep your loved one safe and can be held liable for any harm that comes to them. A Houston nursing home abuse lawyer may be able to help you set things right through a civil action. A compassionate personal injury attorney could help you file a police report, measure how the event has affected the resident’s life, and demand appropriate compensation from all liable parties.
People living in nursing homes are already in a vulnerable position. With their dependence on others for their basic needs, it is not surprising that abuses often go unreported or unnoticed.
Much of this abuse that occurs is physical. People working in nursing homes, near TX Medical Center and other areas of the Houston area, should receive proper training as to how to move residents and safely restrain them when appropriate. Sadly, many fail to follow these procedures, and some facilities do not offer substantial training.
Even more concerning are events involving intentional violence. A nursing home worker who strikes a resident or who grabs them in an attempt to stop poor behavior is liable for the harm that results. This damage can often include broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and emotional trauma. A Houston nursing home abuse attorney could investigate the cause of an injury and obtain the evidence needed to pursue a valid claim against abusers.
It is important to remember that not only is nursing home abuse a cause for a personal injury lawsuit, but it is also a crime. The local police department, as well as the State’s regulatory agency, will listen to a complaint that alleges the intentional or unintentional harm that a senior care resident has sustained. In fact, a nursing home abuse lawyer recommends reaching out to Houston law enforcement when a resident or family member suspects abuse. This not only helps stop the abuse immediately but also aids the future civil claim for compensation.
These civil claims for compensation are where an attorney can be of direct assistance. By collecting evidence of the act, and speaking with the victim and family members about how it has changed them personally, a lawyer could paint a picture of just how destructive this behavior was, and what damages are needed to make up for it.
Even with this in mind, there is a limited time under the law to act. Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003 says that many people may have as little as two years after the date of an injury to seek out compensation. It is important to call a legal professional immediately so that they can preserve evidence and have enough time to build the claim before the statute of limitations runs out.
All people deserve to live out their senior years with dignity. Even after moving into a nursing home, we should enjoy the basic rights that all people have. Unfortunately, the abuses of workers in these facilities can often threaten our loved ones’ safety and security. In extreme examples, they can even result in severe physical injuries and emotional traumas.
A Houston nursing home abuse lawyer wants to help you hold the abuse workers accountable. Schedule a free, private consultation with a member of our team to share your story and learn your legal options.
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