Nursing Home Abuse Statistics in Texas

It is estimated that half of all elderly and infirm who are placed in the care of a nursing home during the latter part of their lives will suffer some form of abuse. In Texas, the worst state in the nation for elder care according to the AARP, these numbers are higher and only expected to increase. Indeed, nursing home abuse statistics in Texas are truly staggering. Regarding nursing home cleanliness and safety, Texas has twice in a row been ranked worst in the United States. Nursing facility residents in Beeville and the surrounding area are no exception.

An astounding 80% of Texas nursing homes consistently fail to receive an above-average rating score during health inspections. Nursing homes in the state of Texas consistently ranked as worst in the entire United States, and an overwhelming majority (almost 95%) of all nursing homes in the state have committed some violation of either state or federal safety regulations.

In fact, Texas frequently places in the top four for total annual malpractice suit payouts per state, but current laws are very restrictive. Those at the top seem equally disinterested in the wellbeing of our state’s ill, elderly and infirm. The AARP is currently fighting to repeal these “right to correct” protections, the implementation of which prevents punishment for abusers and jeopardizes the health and safety of these individuals.

Unfortunately, Texas officials and government officials routinely fail to enforce significant penalties on these facilities. Nursing home abuse statistics in Texas continue to indicate drastic shortfalls. In fact, Texas ranks below a passing letter grade in most qualitative categories, receiving an ‘F’ for ‘direct care staffing hours per resident’ as well as an ‘F’ in ‘professional nursing hours per resident’. Residents of these homes requiring assistance and attention – hence their placement in an extra-care facility – typically receive less than two hours of personal and individual care each day.

The extensive supplemental nursing home abuse statistics in Texas are even more shocking. For example, in 2003, Texas lawmakers placed a financial cap on tort liability payouts at a mere $250,000 on a case-to-case basis. This reform helped to reduce the number of claims and payouts in order to lure more doctors to the state.

However, adverse effects of this ‘tort reform’ have also been exposed. It is becoming increasingly difficult for victims in nursing home negligence cases to handle their claims successfully in a legal setting. In times like these, you require a lawyer’s presence to assist with the effectiveness of your claim in court.

This is where an experienced legal voice in the form of a Beeville nursing home injury attorney from Carabin Shaw can help navigate the often confusing and ambiguous circumstances surrounding nursing home negligence cases. On your own, there are a few situational characteristics you can look for right away. Some apparent signs of nursing home abuse or neglect may come in the form of:

• Rapidly diminishing health
• Worsening wounds or injuries
• Depression and dissociative behavior
• Lack of proper hygiene
• Malnutrition and dehydration
• Lack of friendly staff interaction
• Lack of amiable interactions with other nursing home residents
• Inattentiveness to physical appearance
• Bedsores and ulcers
• Frequent injuries and falls

Identifying the problem is only half the battle. Once you detect any sort of Beeville nursing home negligence, you should immediately seek the guidance of a Beeville nursing home injury attorney from Carabin Shaw.

If you believe that someone you care about currently residing in a nursing home in Beeville has experienced any form of nursing home negligence, you may have questions about what to do if you suspect nursing home neglect. Your case will likely require professional legal attention in order to obtain just compensation.

To inquire about obtaining professional legal assistance from an attorney in Beeville or anywhere else in Texas, call the lawyers at Carabin Shaw toll free anytime, day or night, at 800-862-1260, or you can contact the team of attorneys at our local Beeville offices at 361-358-6300. We are here for you.