When you place a loved one in a nursing home, the last thing you expect is for them to be abused or neglected. You place your trust in a company to care for an elderly family member because you are unable to. Unfortunately, nursing home abuse or neglect happens more often than you may realize and comes in various forms.
The vulnerability of someone in a nursing home makes it necessary for family and friends to rely on the facility and its staff to make sure their loved one gets the care and respect they are entitled to. Sadly, this isn't often the case in nursing homes and other care facilities. Negligence in nursing homes includes any actions that put the resident at risk to their health or safety. Examples include the resident suffering from malnutrition, dehydration, fractured bones, bedsores, ulcers, and other illnesses. This is a common occurrence in nursing homes in New Jersey, as well as many other states.
Understanding what to look for and knowing the answers to the most common questions is important. Read our New Jersey Nursing Home Abuse FAQ below.
NJ nursing home abuse attorneys at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at law can help get you and your loved one the compensation you require. Our expertise in nursing home negligence cases allows us to carefully evaluate each case. Call us today to discuss the details of your case.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding NJ Nursing Home Abuse
If you suspect that a loved one is suffering from nursing home abuse or neglect in New Jersey, here are some questions and answers to assist you in learning more about the topic, as well as vital information to protect the rights and safety of your loved one.
Should I contact an attorney if I suspect nursing home abuse or if I notice unexplained injuries?
Yes. When a facility, its staff, or service providers neglect to provide a nursing home resident with the services they need to prevent bodily harm, pain or emotional distress, this is referred to as neglect. It's important to consult with a lawyer who can help you determine what actions you can take to ensure your loved one's rights are protected.
What legal rights do nursing home residents have in New Jersey?
In order to uphold resident rights, the companies that own nursing facilities in New Jersey must take action. These rights include:
- live free from physical and psychological abuse or neglect;
- live in a clean, safe, and decent environment;
- live in a facility that keeps the resident count to a number than it can safely house and offer proper nursing care;
- receive appropriate pain assessment, management, and treatment;
- be treated with respect for their individuality and dignity;
- receive a written summary of their legal rights; and
- exercise all of their legal, constitutional, and civil rights.
How much can I get in a NJ nursing home abuse case?
Cases of neglect or abuse in NJ nursing homes can be worth anywhere from thousands of dollars up to millions. The disparity in value is dependent upon a number of factors, from the severity of the injuries or abuse, to the insurance coverage held by a nursing home company.
Whether or not you can collect compensation is dependent on the evidence you have to support your claims. In any type of personal injury case, it's important to contact an experienced personal injury attorney who can explain the appropriate steps to take in your specific case. Preferably, you should speak with an attorney who is knowledgeable about nursing home abuse and negligence.
What does it cost to hire a NJ nursing home abuse attorney?
New Jersey personal injury law firms generally operate on a contingency fee basis, rather than billing hourly. Unlike an attorney that you pay by the hour, a contingency fee attorney only gets paid when and if they win your case. When a case is successfully settled, the law firm keeps a portion of any settlement that is agreed upon by both parties, minus any costs incurred over the course of your case, such as court fees, expert witness fees, and medical record costs.
What are typical signs that nursing home abuse or neglect has occurred?
Usually, a family member or friend only realizes that abuse or neglect is occuring when obvious signs are present. These may include:
- Bedsores
- Injuries caused by falls
- Unexplained injuries
- Quick weight loss
- Dehydration
- Unsanitary conditions
- Understaffing
- Overmedicating
- Changes in patient behavior or prognosis
- Sexual abuse signs
- Infection or injury requiring hospitalization
- Sudden death
Do You Believe A Loved One Is Suffering Nursing Abuse? The Attorneys at Brandon J. Broderick Can Help
We will investigate your case and uncover any evidence of negligence if you have a loved one you believe has suffered nursing home abuse in New Jersey.
The nursing home attorneys at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law can provide the support you need to successfully recover the compensation you and your family deserve.
Call us today to schedule a no-obligation, free consultation with one of our attorneys. Let us help you in your time of need.