by Staff Blogger | November 14th, 2018
Nursing homes aren’t just expensive for the families of the people who live in them—they’re also in charge of looking after every aspect of their residents’ care and well-being. There are many nursing home facilities throughout Middle Tennessee, and they all do their best to appear as though their staff members provide the utmost attention to all residents.
Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Most nursing homes are private businesses that are built to generate profits, and increasing profits sometimes means cutting corners by understaffing or hiring underqualified employees. That combination often leads to residents getting less-than-ideal care, and in some cases, it can even lead to abuse and neglect.
If your loved one is living in a nursing home and you notice any of the following warning signs, it’s important to contact an experienced Nashville nursing home abuse lawyer right away:
- Unexplained weight loss—Some medical conditions can cause weight loss, but residents shouldn’t lose weight if those conditions are ruled out. Weight loss can indicate that your loved one isn’t receiving enough food or that meals are being withheld.
- Bruises, bedsores, or other abrasions—Residents who have mobility issues must be frequently turned to prevent the occurrence of bedsores. If you notice bedsores, bruises, or other signs of damage on your loved one’s body, it can be indicative of abuse or neglect.
Other signs to watch out for include poor personal hygiene, anxiety or depression, and even fear of nursing home staff members.
Ponce Law is here to help if you suspect your loved one is being mistreated in a nursing home. Call us today for a free consultation.
by Staff Blogger | August 15th, 2018
It’s difficult to move your loved one into a nursing home. Although moves like that are done with the best intentions in mind, it can be hard to trust your loved one’s health and even life into the hands of strangers, no matter how well trained or qualified they are.
Unfortunately, the reluctance and fears that some family members have for their loved ones become a reality when nursing home staff members and healthcare providers are negligent or abusive. A study showed that residents at one out of every three nursing homes are the victim of some type of abuse or neglect.
If you find out that your loved one was mistreated while living in a nursing home, the Nashville nursing home abuse lawyers at Ponce Law want to fight to get you compensation for:
- Medical bills—Nursing home abuse and neglect victims may require extensive medical care to recover from the injuries or illnesses they suffered at the hands of staff members.
- Pain and suffering—Abused or neglected residents may suffer for weeks, months, or even years. Even after they’re moved to new facilities or the mistreatment stops, they may suffer from poor health, reduced mobility, and even psychological issues for years to come.
- Punitive damages—When residents are intentionally or violently abused, they and their family members can seek punitive damages against the nursing home or individual staff members.
It’s important to have an experienced law firm on your side when dealing with a nursing home abuse case. Nursing homes are often part of billion-dollar corporations, and their insurers don’t want to pay money to victims and their families without a fight.
Call us today for a free consultation to find out how we may be able to help.
by Staff Blogger | May 30th, 2018
Nursing homes are held to high standards of care for their residents. In addition, all nursing home residents in Tennessee are protected by several rights, including the right to privacy; the right to dignity, respect, and freedom; and the right be fully informed of any medical decisions or treatment plans.
Whether it’s due to high turnover rates, poor staff morale, low pay, or inadequate training, nursing home standards of care and individual resident rights aren’t always upheld or respected. When that happens, residents may be abused or neglected, causing them to suffer from physical and mental ailments.
At Ponce Law, our Nashville nursing home abuse lawyers don’t tolerate nursing facilities that don’t prioritize the well-being and health of their residents above everything else. If you call us to handle your loved one’s nursing home abuse claim, you can count on us to:
- Prove the negligence or abuse occurred—Filing a compensation claim requires presenting proof that mistreatment occurred. We have years of experience helping nursing home victims and their families, and we know how to collect evidence that gets results.
- Negotiate to get maximum compensation—When insurance companies know they can’t easily deny claims, they often offer lowball settlements. We’ll fight to maximize your chances of getting full compensation for the suffering your loved one endured.
Get the experienced legal advocacy you and your loved one deserve. Call us today for a free consultation.
by Staff Blogger | February 27th, 2018
Nursing homes are supposed to provide quality comfort and care for elderly adults and people with special needs. But for some nursing home residents in the mid-state area, they’re dangerous facilities that can lead to malnutrition, infections, and even physical abuse.
At Ponce Law, our Nashville nursing home abuse lawyers know how shocking it is when families find out that their loved ones were abused or neglected while living in nursing facilities. Many nursing homes are extremely expensive, and it can be difficult for residents to be admitted or allowed to move in.
Unfortunately, even some of the best and most exclusive nursing homes aren’t immune to cases of neglect and abuse. The causes of nursing home abuse can vary by facility, but they often fall under two common scenarios:
- Understaffing – Nursing homes require a small army of doctors, nurses, healthcare workers, and support staff to keep residents healthy and happy. When nursing homes face staff shortages, whether intentionally or unintentionally, patient care suffers, increasing the risk of abuse or neglect.
- Inexperience and poor training – Nursing home staff should be well-trained and experienced before they’re put in charge of patient care. That doesn’t always happen, and sometimes residents are cared for by staff members who aren’t qualified or trained for the roles they’re assigned to.
Don’t delay if you have reason to believe your loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect. Call our legal team today for a free consultation to discuss the best options for your loved one and your family.
by Staff Blogger | November 8th, 2017
Unexplained bruises, foul odors, bed sores, and the sudden onset of anxiety or depression are all warning signs of nursing home abuse or neglect.
If you notice any of those signs in your loved one, your first instinct is to protect them immediately. However, it can be difficult to determine the right course of action for removing someone from harm’s way when they’re living in a nursing home or facility. Many assisted living facilities have red tape and guidelines that make moving or releasing residents a slow and tedious process.
Thankfully, you aren’t without recourse or help. If you suspect abuse or neglect at your loved one’s nursing home, call these 3 numbers:
- The nursing home’s help line. Many nursing homes have help lines that connect to supervisors, managers, or medical staff. You can use the help line to report any injuries or illnesses your loved one has suffered.
- A Nashville nursing home abuse lawyer. At Ponce Law, we’re dedicated to standing up for the rights of abused or neglected nursing home residents, and we’re ready to begin working on your behalf.
- 911. If your loved one’s health is in immediate danger and if they aren’t getting sufficient medical attention at their nursing home or facility, call 911.
It’s important to act immediately if you suspect abuse or neglect, as some injuries and illnesses can worsen or leave your loved one at risk of infection or systemic complications.
Don’t wait to get your loved one the help they need—including experienced legal representation. Call any of our offices in Middle Tennessee today for a free consultation.
by Staff Blogger | September 1st, 2017
You want only the best care for your loved one when choosing a nursing home for them. Even if they’re already living in one, it’s important to be on the lookout for a few prominent warning signs.
Nursing home abuse and neglect are all too common in facilities in the U.S.–including those in Middle Tennessee–especially when these facilities are understaffed and overcrowded. Unfortunately, the signs of abuse and neglect often go unnoticed for long periods of time, but the physical and psychological effects can be devastating for residents.
When considering a facility for your loved one or visiting them at their current nursing home, be on the lookout for these warning signs:
- High staff turnover – Does it seem like there are new doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals in the facility every time you visit? Poor staff morale leads to high turnover, and that’s a significant risk factor for patient abuse and neglect.
- Unsanitary living conditions – Nursing home residents can be at high risk of infections and disease, so it’s important to keep their living spaces as clean as possible. A nursing home that appears dirty, unkempt, or that has a foul odor may indicate uncleanliness that could put your loved one at risk.
Never move your loved one into a nursing home that has these warning signs. If your loved one is already a resident, having a Nashville nursing home abuse lawyer can help you get compensation for their injuries and help you find a better facility for them.
All nursing home residents in Tennessee are guaranteed certain rights, and Ponce Law is dedicated to protecting them. Call today for a free consultation.
by Staff Blogger | June 9th, 2017
If you’ve ever had to move an aging loved one into a nursing home, you know the myriad of feelings that accompany the process. You want to find a facility that will meet their needs with dignity and respect. You want it to feel like home by providing a peaceful setting for the next chapter in their lives. But most of all, you want them to be safe. Unfortunately for many nursing home residents, their safety is not guaranteed.
Nursing home abuse and neglect comes in many forms, some of which are subtle and hard to spot. To make matters worse, many residents are unable or afraid to speak up on their own behalf, which is why you must be diligent for them. As a family member of a nursing home resident, it’s imperative that you look for signs that your loved one has been a victim. These may include:
- Bruising or bedsores
- Poor hygiene
- Changes to medication
- Signs of sexual abuse
- Pale complexion
- Significant weight loss or reduced appetite
- Broken bones or other unexplained injuries
If you suspect your loved one has been the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, the first thing you should do is secure the safety of your loved one. Then you should give us a call. Our experienced Nashville nursing home abuse attorneys will investigate your loved one’s case and fight to uphold their rights. The worst thing you can do in this situation is nothing. Contact us today.
by Staff Blogger | April 7th, 2017
There are some great nursing home facilities in Tennessee. You probably discovered that for yourself when looking on behalf of an aging loved one. That decision was an important one, and you took it very seriously. Getting your loved one into the best facility they could afford was the first step in this later season of life, so you took your time and made the best decision you could. Unfortunately, nursing home facilities that appear legitimate from the outside can sometimes fail to live up to their responsibilities.
Nursing home abuse or neglect can come in many forms. The key is spotting the signs before real injuries or other damage can occur. When you go to visit your loved one, look for the following:
- Bruises, bedsores, or cuts
- Pale complexion
- Poor hygiene
- Unexplained fear or anxiety
- Changes to medications
- Lice, fleas, or dirt in their room
- Signs of restraint
If any of these signs exist, your aging loved one could be the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect. The worst thing you can do in that situation is nothing. You need to ensure your loved one’s safety, no matter what. Then call our experienced Nashville nursing home abuse lawyers immediately for a free consultation. We can help you understand your loved ones rights and fight to get them the justice they deserve.
by Staff Blogger | January 11th, 2017
The best way to honor our aging loved ones is to provide them with the comfort and dignity they deserve. For many of us, that means securing around-the-clock attention at an assisted care facility. We select the best facility our loved one can afford and expect they will be provided exceptional care. Unfortunately, abuse and neglect can take place even in the best of facilities.
As a nursing home resident, your aging loved one has rights. Those rights include:
- The right to be treated with dignity and respect
- The right to be informed of medical treatments and drug therapies
- The right to manage personal finances and wills
- The right to privacy from other residents and staff members
- The right to keep personal belongings
- The right to refuse medical procedures and medications
- The right to choose activities in daily schedules
- The right to a safe and comfortable environment
If your loved one has been denied any of the above rights, call our Nashville nursing home abuse lawyers today for a free consultation. We’ll protect your loved one’s rights and help ensure their facility provides the professional care it’s supposed to. Contact us today.
by Staff Blogger | November 30th, 2016
Making the decision to place a loved one in assisted care is one of the toughest decisions you’ll ever have to make. In a perfect world, you’d take care of all their needs yourself, but sometimes that’s just not possible. They need professional care, and they need it around the clock. So you make the best choice you possibly can on a nursing home you can trust.
At that nursing home, you expect your loved one to receive a certain level of care and for their needs to be fully met at all times. Unfortunately, some nursing home facilities fail to live up to those expectations, leaving your loved one in a compromising position.
Nursing home abuse or neglect can come in many forms. Recognizing the signs of such abuse early is important for your loved one’s safety, such as:
- Bruises, bedsores, and abrasions on the skin
- Untreated wounds
- Weakness due to malnutrition
- Excessive or rapid weight loss
- Staff members’ inability to explain an injury
- Fear of doctors or nursing home staff
- Sudden changes in medication
- Lack of proper heating and cooling in facilities
- Poor supervision and allowing residents to wander off property
- Staff members refusing to allow visitors
- Poor hygiene
- Abnormally pale complexion
- Broken or missing personal items
- Strong odors of urine or feces
- Mold, mildew, or dirt in common areas or the resident’s room
If you suspect your loved one has been the victim of nursing home neglect or abuse, contact us immediately. Our experienced Nashville nursing home abuse lawyers will work swiftly to secure your loved one’s safety, as well as protect their rights to compensation. There’s help in Nashville for nursing home abuse victims, so contact us today.
