What to Do if You Suspect Elder Abuse in a Midland Nursing Home

Do you believe that an elderly relative has been the victim of Midland nursing home negligence? If so, there are ways to find help. Nursing home negligence is a form of medical malpractice and should be treated with appropriate seriousness; if your relative has suffered from it, they and your family could be legally entitled to extensive damages. If you are interested in pursuing such a case, contact Carabin Shaw’s Midland office at 432-620-0544 today.

If you believe that a loved one is suffering from nursing home negligence, you must first determine whether or not you have a viable base for a lawsuit. This means determining that there is adequate evidence for that negligence and that the statute of limitations on your case has not passed. If you are unsure whether this is the case, a Midland elder abuse lawyer can help you navigate through and sort out these intricacies.

As nursing homes are expected to provide round-the-clock medical care, as well as provide an overall safe and comfortable living environment for its residents, they can be negligent both as a medical provider and as a residence. If you believe that your relative is a victim of Midland nursing home negligence, look for signs of both of these kinds of improper care.

For example, if you notice a strong smell, the staff may be neglecting to help residents with mobility issues bathe or use the restroom. If their health seems to be worsening at a rate beyond what can simply be explained by aging, ask to see medication schedules to make sure that the staff has been keeping up with their medication. If they seem unusually depressed or upset, make sure that they are being treated with appropriate bedside manner.

Consider the state of the facilities as well. Nursing homes are meant to be permanent residences, and must be maintained in a way that is safe for their residents. Note any lack of wheelchair ramps or other amenities for the mobility-impaired, and potentially dangerous spills or obstructions on the floor. Remember that you entrusted your relative to a nursing home because they are at a vulnerable part of their life, physically and emotionally. Be on the lookout for any signs that the nursing home is not properly equipped to handle as vulnerable a population. If you are unsure, nursing home negligence lawyers in Midland can help you determine whether these details are viable as evidence.

Next, ensure that your case falls within the statute of limitations that Texas places on nursing home negligence cases, i.e. two years. If you wait longer than two years after the last instance of negligence to press charges—for instance, if you moved your relative to a better nursing home and have only now decided to sue—your case will be dismissed. Be sure to move quickly and look into Midland elder abuse lawyers as soon as you feel that your suspicions of negligence are justified.

Finally, discuss with your attorney how much compensation you should pursue. If the court rules in your favor, the nursing home will likely have to cover all medical bills resulting from the negligence, as well as additional damages for pain and suffering. These damages will vary depending on the specific nature of the violation, and the state of Texas caps them at $100,000.

When looking for midland attorneys to help you with your nursing home negligence lawsuit, prioritize someone with extensive experience with such cases. Nursing homes often retain corporate lawyers specifically for cases like yours, and your attorney should have at least as much experience.

Carabin Shaw’s personal injury attorneys have decades of combined experience with nursing home negligence cases, and a record of dedication to our clients. Contact our Midland office at 432-620-0544 to begin your process.