Sussex County Nursing Home Negligence Attorneys
New Jersey lawyer protects rights of patients abused or neglected in residential facilities
When elderly loved ones are placed in nursing homes, families expect a safe and supportive environment where their health and well-being are prioritized. Unfortunately, cases of nursing home neglect have become a significant concern across the United States, including in New Jersey. If you suspect that a family member has been harmed due to neglect or abuse in a nursing home, Hollander, Strelzik, Pasculli, Vandenberg, Hontz & Associates LLC is ready to help. A Sussex County nursing home negligence lawyer at our firm can help you seek justice for the harm your loved one has suffered.
Is nursing home neglect common in New Jersey?
With an aging population and a growing demand for long-term care services, incidents of neglect and abuse have been on the rise in facilities across the state. The New Jersey Department of Health reports that a significant number of nursing homes have faced investigations and sanctions due to instances of neglect. While most facilities strive to provide quality care, understaffing, inadequate training, and poor management can contribute to neglect.
Types of nursing home neglect
Nursing home neglect can take several forms, each of which can have severe consequences for the victims. Some of the most common types of mistreatment include the following:
- Physical — Failing to provide basic needs like food, water or hygiene. Unsafe or unsanitary conditions can lead to infections, bedsores and malnutrition.
- Medical — Staff might provide poor medical care by mishandling prescribed medications, failing to monitor vital signs or not addressing a resident’s urgent medical needs
- Emotional — Isolation, absence of social interaction or companionship and lack of mental stimulation can cause depression and feelings of abandonment.
- Inadequate supervision — Leaving residents alone can lead to falls and other accidents, even wandering into dangerous places. An elderly patient injured from a fall can face life-threatening medical complications.
- Personal care — Failure to assist with basic personal care needs, including bathing, dressing or assisting with mobility.
These failures have a wide range of potential negative effects, including discomfort, dignity loss and physical injury.
How to identify nursing home neglect
It is crucial to recognize the signs of nursing home neglect before harm escalates. Common indicators include the following:
- Unexplained injuries — Bruises, broken bones or cuts that cannot be explained by the resident or staff.
- Weight loss — A sudden, unexplained loss of weight or other visible signs of malnutrition.
- Dehydration — Dry mouth, cracked lips or sunken eyes could indicate dehydration.
- Bedsores — These indicate insufficient care or prolonged periods without movement.
- Poor hygiene — If a resident’s clothes, bedding or personal appearance show neglect, this may indicate improper care.
- Behavioral changes — Withdrawal, anxiety, fear of certain staff members or depression may suggest emotional neglect or abuse.
Your vigilance is your loved one’s first line of defense against neglect.
What to do if you suspect nursing home neglect
If you suspect neglect, it’s vital to act quickly to protect your loved one. Start by documenting any evidence of substandard treatment. Notify the nursing home administration and request an investigation. If the issue goes unaddressed, contact the New Jersey Division of Aging Services or the local Adult Protective Services to report what you’ve found.
The process for filing a lawsuit for nursing home neglect
If the problem persists, a lawsuit might be the best option. We can assist with the following:
- Gathering evidence
- Filing a complaint
- Negotiating a settlement or going to trial
Nursing home neglect is a serious issue that can cause significant harm to your vulnerable loved one. Our attorneys can take decisive steps to secure a measure of relief and guard against future abuse.
Contact a North Jersey attorney regarding a nursing home neglect claim
Hollander, Strelzik, Pasculli, Vandenberg, Hontz & Associates LLC, with offices in Newton and Succasunna, represents nursing home residents injured by abuse and neglect throughout New Jersey. To schedule a consultation, please call 973-737-1023 or contact us online.
