Nursing home residents are among the most vulnerable members of society. They often require diligent and careful supervision to prevent accidents, injuries, and even death. If nursing home staff fail to supervise a resident properly, the consequences can be severe. So, if you have concerns about a nursing home failing to supervise your loved one adequately, call the Cullotta Bravo Law Group to see how we can help at 630-898-7800.
Why Nursing Home Supervision Matters
Nursing home staff members are expected to keep residents safe. This is part of their overall duty of care toward the residents at the facility. To fulfill this duty, staff must provide residents with a certain level of supervision.
Every resident has different needs which should be set out in the care plan, but supervision often extends to activities such as:
- bathing
- eating
- exercising
- getting in and out of bed
- taking medication
- using the bathroom
- walking
Some residents will also require supervision when sitting or sleeping. If residents aren’t appropriately supervised, they’re more likely to fall, trip, or choke. They may even be more vulnerable to sexual or physical abuse.
If a resident does not receive the supervision they need as detailed in their care plan, this may be considered inadequate supervision. If the improper supervision results in injuries or death, it may be possible to sue the nursing home for damages or compensation for breaching their duty of care.
Inadequate Supervision vs. Neglect
In nursing home settings, “neglect” means that the residents are not provided with the care they need to stay as healthy as possible. Although nursing home neglect is not the same as nursing home abuse, it can be just as serious.
Supervision issues in nursing homes constitute neglect because the staff are failing to provide residents with the level of care required to prevent harm. Improper supervision should never be ignored but instead investigated by experienced nursing home neglect attorneys.
Unsupervised Resident Risks
A lack of adequate supervision in nursing homes can cause serious personal injuries – particularly among the frailest residents. The most common injuries caused by inadequate supervision in nursing homes include:
- broken bones
- bruising
- choking injuries
- dislocations
- head injuries
- skin tears
- soft tissue damage e.g., muscle sprains
- spinal injuries
Every injury is potentially distressing and traumatic for the resident involved, especially if it’s a severe injury or there are signs of abuse. Cullotta Bravo Law Group treats all victims of nursing home neglect with the care and compassion they deserve.
Identifying Nursing Home Supervision Issues
It can be difficult to spot nursing home supervision issues, especially if you’re not a resident. However, here are some signs which may give cause for concern.
- The resident is unhappy or seems withdrawn when there’s a certain member of staff present.
- You identify injuries such as cuts and bruises on your loved one.
- There’s noticeable weight loss or other signs of malnutrition, such as sunken eyes or dehydration.
- You see residents struggling to perform certain tasks unattended, such as eating or rising from a chair.
Making a Claim for Nursing Home Injuries
To successfully make a claim for nursing home injuries caused by improper supervision, you must show that the nursing home – or an individual staff member – breached their duty of care towards a resident, resulting in an injury or, worst cases, death.
Nursing home supervision claims often require evidence such as medical records, photographs of injuries, and copies of care plans. Our nursing home neglect lawyers can explain what evidence is needed based on the circumstances of the case.
Nursing Home Supervision Lawsuits
To file a nursing home injury lawsuit, consult an experienced attorney. An IL nursing home lawyer understands how serious such injuries can be, and they will always represent your best interests. Whether the case can be settled out of court or there’s a need to take the case to trial, a lawyer can help you secure the best outcome for your nursing home lawsuit.
If you wish to file a lawsuit for injuries caused by inadequate supervision in a nursing home, reach out to the Cullotta Bravo Law Group. We’ll handle the legal side of matters for you so that you and your family can focus on recovery.
To arrange a free initial consultation, call the Cullotta Bravo Law Group at630-898-7800 or complete our contact form. Our experienced team will evaluate your claim and determine the best way to proceed to help you secure the compensation you deserve.