When Nursing Homes Are Slow To Act

For most people, obtaining medical attention after sustaining an injury or becoming ill is relatively easy. For nursing home residents it isn’t as easy, and for some it is impossible to do on their own. Many nursing home residents rely completely on the staff to help them obtain medical attention when necessary. This is a huge responsibility for nursing home staff, and failing to fulfill this responsibly could result in terrible injuries or even death.

This was a painful lesson learned by loved ones after a nursing home in Florida failed to get emergency medical treatment for sick residents in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma. The hurricane caused a power outage at the nursing facility, but the facility was located just across the street from hospital.

In the days after the hurricane, three residents from the nursing home were rushed to the hospital. After the third resident arrived, hospital staff walked across the street to find the nursing home facility had left its residents in miserable conditions. Without air conditioning, the facility was very hot and humid, making it difficult for residents to breathe. Unfortunately, hospital staff also discovered that four nursing home residents had already succumbed to injuries related to the heat in the facility. Despite immediately evacuating the nursing home, four additional residents died shortly after arriving at the hospital.

Tragic incidents like this happen everyday all over the country. Nursing homes frequently delay getting residents the care they need, putting residents at risk. Oftentimes nursing home facilities delay getting emergency treatment for residents because they are trying to protect themselves from liability. Some facilities have even gone so far as to falsify medical records and patient files to cover up their negligence. Other times, facilities are understaffed and injured or sick residents go unnoticed.

All nursing home residents are entitled to a certain level of care. There are state and federal guidelines in place to protect the wellbeing of individuals in care facilities. When facilities provide care below this standard, they will face serious consequences from federal and state agencies.

Nursing Home Negligence Lawyers

When it comes to receiving emergency medical treatment, just a few minutes could mean the difference between life and death. If your loved one suffered an injury or illness that was not immediately handled by nursing home staff, contact the nursing home negligence lawyers at Lopez McHugh LLP today. We can analyze your situation and help you understand your legal options.