Nursing Home Neglect Lawyer Washington, DC 
Are you the family member of an elder who has been neglected in a nursing home? Do you feel confused and upset about what you have discovered, but are unsure about what you should do now? If so, please call a nursing home neglect lawyer in Washington, DC now.
At Brown Kiely, LLP, we believe neglect in a nursing home is completely unacceptable. Men and women living in these facilities have often lived a long life and possess an enormous amount of stories and wisdom. They are grandparents, great parents, and elders who guide younger generations. When they are placed into the care of another, it is usually because they struggle to take care of themself. Sometimes, they prefer to live around people of their own age without the hassle of traditional home life. Never do they expect to be mistreated or neglected. However, it does happen. Typically, it is loved ones of the elder who notice the neglect, and usually when they identify it, it has been happening for quite some time.
If you suspect neglect, or even abuse, don’t delay in asking a nursing home neglect lawyer in Washington DC to review your case.
Get to Know Brown Kiely, LLP
Brown Kiely, LLP is the kind of Washington DC nursing home neglect lawyer families turn to for legal advocacy, advice, and support. Our firm is committed to every client and strives to maintain honest, reliable communication through the journey of each case. By choosing to work with Brown Kiely, LLP, you can feel assured in knowing that we will carefully review your case, and if we are a match, build a strong defense that cannot be refuted. Not only have we recovered millions in damages for our clients, but we are recognized for the emotional support we offer. This support is often vital as it can act as a backbone to various challenges along the way.
Nursing home abuse and neglect is unacceptable. If you believe your loved one has been neglected at the hands of a staff member or facility, please give a nursing home neglect lawyer in Washington DC a call. This is true regardless of whether or not you have all available forms of evidence or proof.
Understanding Neglect in a Nursing Home
Neglect can take a number of different forms. Some are obvious, others are not. In general, the latter is more common which is why it is important to make regular visits to the facility. While there, you should pay close attention to your loved ones’ behaviors, their environment, and the behaviors of the staff. If you feel that something is not right, you might consider discussing it with the facility. Should your concerns be ignored or the situation goes unchanged, you can speak with a nursing home lawyer Washington D.C. has to offer.
Examples of Neglect
Neglect is not the same as abuse; however both forms can take place in a nursing home setting. Abuse is something that is done deliberately or intentionally, and can include physical, mental, and emotional actions or behaviors. Neglect can include abuse, or stand alone. It is typically a byproduct of understaffing, overworked staff, or inadequate training. For example, when a staff member fails to execute a standard of care, it may be neglected. Malnutrition, dehydration, failure to treat or medicate the resident, and more are some forms of neglect.
Nursing Home Neglect Law Firm In Washington DC
One of the most common types of cases that a nursing home neglect lawyer Washington DC families trust handles is overmedication of a resident. Obviously, many of the residents in a nursing home have been prescribed medication for health issues, but too often nursing home staff use strong medications in order to manage residents, especially those suffering from dementia. When a resident has been diagnosed with dementia, the side effects can leave them suffering from anxiety. Many become verbally aggressive and even violent with staff and other patients.
How prevalent is this issue? One investigation conducted by NPR found that about 300,000 nursing home residents are on some type of antipsychotic medication. These strong drugs were originally developed to help patients suffering from certain mental disorders, such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Unfortunately, it is becoming far too common for nursing home staff to give these powerful drugs to residents who are suffering from dementia in order to keep them sedated.
But the potential side effects of these drugs can greatly impact a resident’s health. Some of the known side effects include the risk of heart attacks, infections, and even death.
If you are concerned that your loved one is being given antipsychotic medication with a valid medical need, consider contacting a nursing home lawyer Washington, DC clients recommend who can help navigate you through an investigation of the situation and determine what legal steps to take. Overmedication is a form of nursing home abuse, just as critical as physical assaulting a resident or withholding medical treatment.
What Are the Signs of Overmedication?
Families with loved ones in nursing homes should do all they can to make sure there are regular and consistent visits to the home. Notice when you are there how your loved one is acting, how alert they are. Also, discuss with staff just what medications your loved one is being given. Ask questions of staff of what procedures are in place to handle residents who suffer from dementia-related anxiety and aggression. Unfortunately, many nursing homes give residents medication immediately instead of trying other methods that could calm the resident down or divert their attention. There are a number of reasons for this, including lack of training for staff or shortage of staff. No matter what the reason for a medication first procedure, the bottom line is it is dangerous for residents.
Signs a resident may be overmedicated include:
- Appears to be “out of it”
- Becoming easily confused
- Changes in their appetite
- Excessive exhaustion or fatigue
- Sleeping more than usual
- Sudden change in personality
- Sudden withdrawal from people
- Unexplained medical complications
- Unusual physical ailments
If you believe your elderly loved one is being overmedicated, contact Brown Kiely LLP immediately. We will schedule a free consultation with a Washington DC nursing home neglect lawyer who can advise you on what appropriate legal steps are available for you and what legal action you may be able to take against the nursing home.
If you or a loved one has been neglected in a nursing home, please call a nursing home neglect lawyer in Washington DC. Call Brown Kiely, LLP now.
