Attorneys Passionately Fighting For Victims Of Nursing Home Negligence

Placing an elderly parent or loved one in a nursing home is a difficult decision. You realize that they require more care than you can provide and trust the nursing home staff to step in. Unfortunately, many facilities are not providing the standard of care that your loved one needs and deserves. Nursing home neglect is a serious problem across Indiana – a serious problem that our attorneys are ready to tackle head-on.

At Sarkisian Sarkisian & Associates, we are family. When you work with us, we treat you as we would treat one of our own. Let us fight for your loved one if they are suffering from nursing home neglect. We want to help you find justice and protect their well-being.

Signs Of Nursing Home Neglect

Nursing home neglect can harm your loved one physically, mentally and emotionally. Learn how to recognize signs that they may be suffering so you can address the neglect as soon as possible. Common signs of neglect include:

• Changes in weight
• Unexplained falls or injuries
• Loss of interest in normal activities
• Personality changes
• Lack of communication
• Bedsores
• Dehydration
• Use of new, unexpected medications
• Sedation
• Unsanitary conditions
• Wandering
• Frequent illness
• Unexpected death

If you notice any of the above symptoms of neglect, it may be time for further investigation. You can contact several outside parties for assistance, including Indiana’s ombudsman, the Indiana State Department of Health or an experienced personal injury attorney.

Falls In Nursing Homes

Falls in nursing homes are a major concern, as elderly residents are particularly vulnerable to serious injuries – even from minor falls. Due to age-related factors such as reduced mobility, muscle weakness and balance issues, many seniors are already at an increased risk.

Sadly, nursing homes sometimes fail to implement the necessary precautions to prevent falls, which can be devastating to the health and well-being of residents. Common causes of falls include slippery or poorly maintained floors, inadequate lighting, lack of handrails and failure to provide mobility aids like walkers or wheelchairs when needed.

The consequences of falls in nursing homes can be severe, ranging from fractures and head injuries to long-term disabilities. Beyond the physical impact, falls often lead to psychological trauma, with residents experiencing heightened anxiety and a fear of falling again, which can affect their mobility and independence.

Nursing homes have a duty to provide a safe environment by conducting fall-risk assessments and implementing individualized care plans that may include frequent monitoring, assistance with mobility and physical therapy.

Bedsores In Nursing Homes

Bedsores, or pressure ulcers, are another common and preventable issue in nursing homes, often indicating neglect. They typically develop when prolonged pressure on the skin restricts blood flow, causing tissue damage.

Areas most affected include the hips, heels and tailbone, especially in residents who have limited mobility and cannot shift positions on their own. Nursing home staff members are responsible for repositioning immobile residents regularly to prevent bedsores. When they fail to do so, residents can suffer significant pain and discomfort.

Bedsores can worsen quickly, progressing from mild skin irritation to severe wounds that may require intensive medical care. In extreme cases, bedsores can lead to life-threatening infections like sepsis. Proper prevention includes regular repositioning, monitoring for early signs of sores and making sure adequate hydration and nutrition are provided, which help with skin resilience and healing.

If your loved one developed bedsores due to neglect, our attorneys are prepared to hold the facility accountable and help secure compensation to cover medical expenses and damages for their pain and suffering.

What Steps Should You Take If You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse Or Neglect?

If you suspect nursing home abuse or neglect, taking immediate and decisive steps can protect your loved one. The steps include:

● Report your concerns to the nursing home administration: Request a meeting with the facility’s management and document your concerns in writing. This creates a formal record and signals the seriousness of the issue. Be sure to ask for written confirmation of their response and the actions they intend to take.
● File a complaint with the Indiana Long-Term Care Ombudsman: This agency advocates for nursing home residents and investigates reports of abuse an neglect. You can file a complaint online through the Indiana Department of Health’s website or call the ombudsman directly. Providing detailed information, including names, dates and any evidence, can strengthen your complaint.
● Consult a nursing home abuse and neglect lawyer: An attorney can help you understand your rights and guide you through legal actions to seek accountability and compensation. They can also gather critical evidence, interview witnesses and help ensure compliance with state laws to build a strong case. Taking legal action can prevent further harm to your loved one and protect others from similar experiences.

Quick action is crucial to stopping abuse, holding responsible parties accountable and providing a safe environment for your loved one and others.

What Compensation Is Available In A Nursing Home Neglect Case?

Victims of nursing home neglect and their families may be entitled to various forms of compensation, depending on the nature and severity of the harm.

● Economic damages: This covers financial losses related to medical treatment for injuries caused by neglect. It includes hospital bills, physical therapy and the costs of transferring your loved one to a safer facility.
● Noneconomic damages: This addresses intangible losses, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life. These damages acknowledge the profound impact neglect has on a victim’s dignity and well-being.

In cases involving egregious conduct, punitive damages may also be awarded. These damages punish the nursing home for reckless or malicious behavior and deter future negligence.

Did You Lose A Loved One Due To Negligence?

The novel coronavirus, COVID-19, has impacted all Americans. However, elderly persons have disproportionately suffered throughout the pandemic. Nursing home residents have been some of the hardest hit.

If your loved one lost their life due to the nursing home facility’s negligence, we will advocate on your behalf with a wrongful death claim. Negligence can take many forms, but may include:

• Allowing visitors to enter the nursing home after the pandemic was underway
• Failing to use or provide proper protective equipment such as gloves or masks
• Neglecting to thoroughly clean nursing home facilities
• Allowing residents to freely move about if they should have been in isolation
• Failing to test and treat sick residents for the coronavirus

Let Us Help You During This Difficult Time

Nursing homes must be held accountable for substandard care. This protects your loved one and others in the facility who cannot advocate for themselves.

If you believe that your loved one is suffering from nursing home neglect or abuse, call Sarkisian Sarkisian & Associates at 219-265-6061 to schedule a free initial consultation. You may also contact our Portage and Valparaiso offices online. If you cannot travel to our office, we can visit your home or hospital bed. Our goal is to make this process as easy on you as possible.