It has always been true, but in these past few years especially, we have seen how nurses are some of the greatest heroes in our society. While doctors write the orders, it is the nurses who carry out the care plan.
In nursing homes, nurses are face to face with their loved one every day. They get to know your loved one’s needs and preferences and usually create loving relationships while caring for their physical and cognitive needs. Generally speaking, a doctor will check your loved ones and determine a plan of care from a medication standpoint. Nurses and other medical staff will execute that plan and provide that daily hour-by-hour care.
Most nurses take their work very seriously and it shows in the way that they care for nursing home residents. Some nurses, however, fail to fulfill their duties and meet the standard of care expected of them. When this happens in a nursing home to your loved one, there may be a claim.
Oftentimes doctors are assumed to be the one who commits errors, but given how much hands-on care a nurse is responsible for, nurses can also commit malpractice.
What Does a Claim Require?
In order to prove a claim against a nursing home, you must establish the following more likely than not:
- Duty- a requirement to perform responsibilities to whatever the standard of care may be
- Breach of Duty- failing to meet that requirement
- Causation-the link between a breach of duty and a patient’s damages.
- Damages- any injuries, both physical and psychological, that result from that breach of duty.
Every case is fact specific and involves numerous nuances, but these are the general legal elements of a claim.
Common Occurrences of Nursing Home Abuse
If all four points above can be applied to the situation you are concerned about, you should contact a nursing home abuse lawyer near Hamilton, Ohio. While each case is unique, we do see some common behaviors or omissions that lead to nursing home abuse including:
- Administering wrong medicine, incorrect dosages, or failing to administer medicine
- Failing to monitor a patient and missing warning signs or critical conditions
- Failing to follow doctor’s orders
- Physical or sexual abuse
- Improper administration or dosage of IV medication
- Failing to follow protocol (such as reporting a patient fall or providing fall protections)
What Should You Do If You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse?
Depending on the case, the abuse may be obvious. In some instances, however, the abuse is harder to spot. If you suspect your loved one may be a victim of nursing home abuse or malpractice, contact a nursing home abuse lawyer in Hamilton, Ohio at The Richards Firm.
When abuse is happening, it is important that you don’t hesitate to consult an experienced attorney. We will never pressure or rush you. We will help you gather all the necessary information and take the proper steps to investigate any claim and to keep your loved one safe and well.
We can be reached at 513-868-2731, ext. 219 or visit us at https://richardsinjuryfirm.com.