According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 1.5 million people live in nursing homes across the country, including North Carolina. The agency also says many cases are reported of personal injury caused by negligent care and mistreatment, often in for-profit facilities. A recent study found that the owners and management of for-profit facilities earn significant amounts of money, leaving very little for the workers who are burdened with large workloads at low wages. It is alleged that the focus at these facilities are on profits rather than providing proper care.
Reportedly, the information that was used for the study included more than two dozen conditions that typically follow negligent care. These include bedsores, severe dehydration, damaged feeding tubes and broken catheters. Also, poor medication management that led to advanced sepsis.
Family members are encouraged to make frequent, but sometimes unexpected, visits to their loved ones in nursing homes. Signs that might indicate neglect include malnutrition, mobility problems, dehydration, unexplained bruises or other injuries. Additional red flags are poor personal hygiene, unsavory surroundings and emotional withdrawal.
Anyone in North Carolina who suspects that a loved one in a nursing home is a victim of neglect or abuse might be unsure of how to proceed to gather evidence. Answers can be obtained from a personal injury attorney with experienced in this field of the law. A lawyer can launch an independent investigation to obtain the necessary proof of neglect. If there are grounds for a lawsuit, having the support and guidance of an attorney throughout ensuing legal proceedings can be an invaluable asset.
