The population across the nation is aging, and with an aging population comes a greater demand on the medical services directed at the elderly population. This may include hospice care, nursing homes, extended medical stay facilities, or even hospitals because older individuals are likely to have medical issues, whether acute or chronic.
The families of these elderly Chicago residents want to believe that their loved ones are getting the care and attention they deserve and need, one of the reasons many families say they make the decision to place their loved one in a nursing home. In some instances, the desired care is provided and the family can rest assured. Too often, though, nursing homes fail to provide quality care to their residents, leaving the residents to suffer. Injuries may occur to the elderly or even worse, death.
Reports out of Washington indicate that negligence may have been a factor in the death of an 88-year-old nursing home resident’s death. On Friday morning, employees of the home noticed that the woman had been left outside for some time, leading the woman to freeze to death. Nursing home doors leading outside were not locked at night, leaving the family of the victim to wonder why the doors were open, allowing the woman to exit the home. It is also not clear why no employees noticed that the woman was not in her room or why they failed to notice her just outside of the building’s doors.
The victim was found outside shortly after 1:00 a.m. when temperatures were at just 28 degrees. She suffered from Alzheimer’s disease which is characterized by disorientation, memory loss, confusion, and poor decision making skills. When caring for patients with Alzheimer’s, additional care needs to be taken to make sure that these individuals are not a danger to themselves.
The employees of a nursing home are responsible for the care provided to the residents and must comply with local and federal laws. Failing to abide by the proper governing principals of a nursing home can lead to injuries that may spur a civil claim for damages brought by a victim or a victim’s family and against the home. These claims are a legal means for an injury victim to seek proper compensation against those who were negligent in causing harm, whether the negligent party is an employee, a physician, an owner or a nursing home, or another individual.
If your loved one has been injured or killed while under the care of a nursing facility, your family may be entitled to relief for your damages. Speaking with an injury lawyer can help you learn what legal options may be available to you.
At Abels & Annes, P.C., we have represented victims of nursing home abuse and helped the victims and their families obtain compensation. We know that these incidents can be devastating and confusing so we keep a lawyer standing by 24 hours a day to answer your call at (312) 924-7575 or toll free at (855) 529-2442. We will provide you with a free consultation without any obligation on your part, so if you want answers about your family member’s case, call us now and let us help you.
Prior Blog Entry:
Pedestrian Bridge Near Mundelein Metra Station May Increase Safety, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published December 13, 2013.
Resource:
Elderly woman freezes to death outside Alzheimer’s care center, by Barbara LaBoe, The Daily News Online, published December 9, 2013.