Proving Liability in a Nursing Home Negligence Case

You expect the highest level of care when you place your relatives in a nursing home. Unfortunately, nursing homes are hotspots for negligence and abuse. Different types of abuse at a nursing home can have detrimental physical and psychological effects on the victim. Proving liability in a nursing home negligence case in New Mexico may require the help of a lawyer. When you partner with an attorney, your relative may receive the assistance and financial compensation they, and you, deserve. Carabin Shaw takes New Mexico nursing home negligence seriously. Call our offices today.

Elder Abuse Statistics

Elder abuse is surprisingly common, although the public knows little about it. Here are some statistics outlining common types and patterns of elder abuse:

• 1 in 10 elders over the age of 60 have experienced abuse and reports are rising
• Physical, sexual, and psychological abuse are the most common forms of abuse
• Elders are more likely to report financial abuse than any other kind
• Approximately 50% of patients with dementia suffer abuse or negligence
• There are reported cases of elder abuse in all 50 states, including New Mexico

Many forms of elder abuse go unreported, so there may be more cases of elder abuse than suspected. For this reason, it is essential to speak to the appropriate legal team if you presume neglect or other forms of abuse. If you suspect your relative is experiencing elder abuse, consider speaking with an attorney and keep an eye out for typical signs of negligence.

Signs of Negligence

There are many types of neglect: medical, hygienic, basic needs (food, water, fresh air), and social neglect. New Mexico elder abuse lawyers advise relatives to look out for these common signs of neglect:

• Malnutrition marked by a dramatic loss of weight
• Bedsores
• Injuries such as bruises and cuts
• Dehydration
• Withdrawn behavior

New Mexico nursing home negligence can have a severely negative impact on the life of your loved one. Neglect can lead to serious infections, depression and anxiety, and illness. Many cases go unreported because either the victim or the relative is unaware of the signs of elder abuse. You can prevent abuse and neglect by choosing a home with a small and focused staff, keeping up to date with your loved one’s medications, and by checking in with them.

Many don’t know who to talk to if they think there is abuse happening. You can begin by speaking to a trusted lawyer. They will investigate the matter further and provide any relevant information to you on what the next steps should be for you and your loved one.

Proving Liability

When a nursing home accepts another patron, they assume a duty of care, which means that they are responsible for upholding a level of reasonable care. The nursing home ought to provide a safe and clean environment for their residents. When this doesn’t happen, the potential for injury and illness increase. New Mexico elder abuse lawyers urge those who suspect neglect as a cause for injury or illness to reach out immediately.

An attorney will investigate the matter further by reading reports, speaking with the appropriate staff members of the home, and by looking at any relevant paperwork provided by the nursing home. Proving liability requires establishing that the nursing home established a duty between patient and staff and that this duty was not respected or upheld. New Mexico attorneys recommend speaking to a lawyer immediately.

What to Do Next

If you suspect your relative or friend has endured elder abuse or neglect, then it is time to find nursing home negligence lawyers serving New Mexico. If you are looking for a qualified attorney, consider working with those at the office of Carabin Shaw. You can help put an end to New Mexico nursing home negligence today.

Call us toll-free at 1-800-862-1260 or connect with our regional El Paso office at 915-779-2301.

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