Ways nursing homes may be liable for neglect or abuse

Nursing home abuse and neglect is a serious concern for victims and their families. Families trust the well-being and safety of their loved ones every day to nursing homes and when that trust is violated, victims and families need to be familiar with the legal protections available to them.

When a loved one has been injured by nursing home abuse or neglect, a nursing home may be liable for the harm suffered. Victims of nursing home abuse and neglect may suffer from bed sore or dehydration or may suffer physical and emotional abuse. A claim for damages against a nursing home may be able to help the victim and their family with the physical, financial and emotional damages they suffered.

Nursing homes may be liable in several ways, including negligent hiring and retention of employees; negligent personal supervision and care of residents; negligent maintenance of the premises; or negligent selection or maintenance of equipment. Nursing homes need to carefully select, supervise and train staff. They also need to ensure the facility is adequately staffed at all times. Additionally, the premises must be kept in a safe and sanitary condition at all times. If any of these standards are not met, the nursing home may be considered negligent.

A negligent nursing home may be liable to victims and their families for the damages they have caused. It is important for victims and their families to know how they can hold negligent nursing homes accountable and receive some relief for their damages when a loved one has been harmed in a nursing home facility.