For victims and families of nursing home abuse and neglect, they may wonder when a nursing home is liable for the harm suffered by their loved one. A great deal of trust is placed in nursing home facilities and when that trust is broken, it is important for victims and their loved ones to be familiar with the legal protections available to them.
Nursing home liability
Nursing homes may be liable for any harm suffered by their residents in a variety of different situations. Nursing home liability can include:
- Negligent personal supervision and care – if the nursing home fails to properly supervise and care for the victim, they may be liable for the harm the victim suffers.
- Negligent hiring and retention of employees – if a nursing home negligently hires and retains an employee, and that staff member harms the victim, the nursing home may be liable for the harm and damages suffered by the victim.
- Negligent staffing – if a nursing home fails to adequately staff the nursing home facility, or fails to employ adequately trained staff, the nursing home may be liable for the harm that results.
- Negligent maintenance of the premises – if the nursing home fails to adequately maintain the premises for safety and security, they may be liable for injuries residents suffer.
- Negligent selection or maintenance of equipment – if the nursing home fails to properly select or maintain nursing home equipment, they may be liable for injuries and harm victims suffer.
Legal recourse for nursing home abuse and neglect
Nursing home abuse and neglect is a serious concern for many family members entrusting the care and safety of their loved one to a nursing home facility. If a loved one is harmed while in the care of a nursing home, family members should be familiar with the legal protections that can help them with their damages and hold the negligent nursing home accountable.
