
A University of California, San Francisco research study found failings in nursing homes throughout the United States. In addition, the study showed that 41 percent of Georgia’s nursing homes lack the minimum standard of quality care. Moreover, 36 percent of all Georgia nursing homes have a dangerously accident-prone environment. The lack of quality care in Georgia nursing homes results in dire situations with almost 25 percent of nursing home residents suffering from pressure sores and almost half of all Georgia nursing homes have insufficient janitorial services. The lack of quality care shows that nursing home neglect plagues Georgia’s nursing homes and must be addressed by the right nursing home attorneys.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, it is vitally important to know your rights and secure legal help from a nursing home abuse law firm. With so many options to choose from, it’s vital to seek out a nursing home abuse law firm with attorneys who have the experience and expertise to help you win your case. Bader Scott Injury Lawyers attorneys are experienced in these cases and can help. Contact us for a free consultation to learn more about how our experienced legal team can help your case.
What Are Nursing Home Legal Requirements in Atlanta?
When nursing home abuse occurs, victims and loved ones often are in the dark about nursing home law and regulations required by Georgia. If you have a loved one living in a Georgia nursing home, it is important to know and understand your and your loved one’s rights. Our compassionate team of legal experts at Bader Scott Injury Lawyers can help protect your loved one’s rights.
Georgia law mandates at least one registered nurse or licensed nurse must be on duty for each eight-hour shift. In addition, the nursing home must carry an adequate nursing staff and qualified staff members to meet the needs of the nursing home residents.
Additionally, a professional staff consisting of no fewer than one physician, dentist, and a registered nurse is required. Each nursing home resident must have the ability to visit the physician at least once every thirty days. To ensure that mandatory nutritional meals, specialized foods for individual diets and snacks are served, a certified and qualified dietician must be on site.
Nursing homes must provide professional social services. The social services must address the mental, social, and emotional needs of the nursing home residents. Federal and State laws and regulations dictate that pharmaceutical services must be provided.
Georgia law necessitates that all nursing homes are kept in a habitable condition and must have infection control protocols. Proper sanitation, laundry services, and debris free residences are required.
Due to negligence, a disproportionate number of nursing home residents get sick each year due to negligence from improper cleaning and sanitation. For example, mites that lead to sepsis in nursing homes can lead to severe health complications for residents.
For each resident, the option for companionship, recreation, and social activities is required by law, although residents have the option to participate. Although times and scheduling of visits may vary, family members and loved ones must be able to visit with nursing home residents.
Georgia law expressly forbids any type of physical or emotional abuse. Physical and emotional abuse includes, but is not limited to neglect, pushing, hitting, scratching, taunting, belittling, and any other action done to a nursing home resident with malice. Minor abuse may be difficult to discover, but regardless of the minuteness of the issue, it is critical to stay observant for even the smallest warning signs of abuse. Often, the smaller forms of nursing home abuse indicate a pattern of greater abuse.
The statute of limitations for nursing home injury or negligence is two years from the time of injury or negligence was discovered. If you suspect an instance of nursing home abuse, contact Bader Scott Injury Lawyers at (404) 888-8888 immediately.
For a free legal consultation with a nursing home abuse lawyer serving Atlanta, call (404) 888-8888
What Are Nursing Home Abuse Risk Factors?
Several risk factors exist for nursing home abuse. The National Center on Elder Abuse indicates the following three categories:
- Facility Risk Factors – poor staffing and lack of administrative oversight or administrative antipathy.
- Patient Risk Factors – patients affected by dementia, having special needs, or living in isolation within the facility.
- Patient’s Relationships Risk Factors – patients who do not receive many visitors receive less caregiver oversight.
The National Council on Elder Abuse provides helpful information for identifying additional risk factors for nursing home abuse and neglect.
Atlanta Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Near Me (404) 888-8888
Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
Nursing home abuse happens anywhere and seniors who suffer from dementia are unable to advocate for themselves. Abuse may take the form of intentional abuse, but nursing homes may fail to fulfill legal obligations. When a nursing home fails to fulfill its legal obligations, it is neglectful and may be guilty of violating the law and violating patient’s rights. Below are the most common types of abuse:
- Bed sores
- Pressure Sores
- Pressure Ulcers
- Decubitus Ulcers
- Malnutrition or Dehydration
- Unexplained Falls or Fractures
- Verbal Abuse
- Sexual Assault or Sexual Abuse
- Inappropriate or Inadequate Care
- Unreasonable Chemical or Physical Restraint
- Sepsis
- Choking
- Financial Profiteering
- Clogged or Dirty Breathing Tubes
- Medical Errors
- Death
Nursing home abuse has serious ramifications. Elderly residents often experience emotional trauma or physical injury if the abuse is ignored. Abuse can take on different forms, including sexual battery in Atlanta; you can protect your loved one by taking immediate action. In some cases, the abuse leads to death. In most cases of abuse, elderly residents depend on a vigilant family member to notice the signs of abuse and advocate on their behalf.
Let Us Help
If you suspect that a loved on has had their legal rights impinged upon, please contact our Atlanta based nursing home abuse law firm, Bader Scott Injury Lawyers at (404) 888-8888. Each attorney at Bader Law is an expert with extensive knowledge regarding Georgia’s nursing home abuse law. We will fight tirelessly on behalf of your loved one, ensuring proper care, and getting the justice and financial compensation that you deserve.
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Atlanta, GA 30326
(678) 562-5595
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