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The Danger of Nursing Home Malpractice in West Virginia

We understand how disheartening it can be to realize that a loved one has become the victim of nursing home malpractice in West Virginia. If you suspect your loved one's health has been unreasonably affected since he or she entered a nursing home, you should speak with a Bridgeport medical malpractice lawyer.

When you place your loved ones in a nursing home you expect them to be treated with kindness and respect, but sadly this is not always the case

What is nursing home malpractice?

Malpractice in a nursing home can be defined as negligence or intentional acts carried out by a nursing home professional - nurse, nurse assistant, physical therapist, respiratory therapist. The negligence or intentional acts must have the potential to harm a resident mentally, physically, or psychosocially.

In other words, this kind of malpractice is a form of abuse, and it is often not reported because residents typically fear backlash or they feel as if they would be burdening their family members if they report the abuse. Lack of adequate care is a form of malpractice that could lead to a Bridgeport medical malpractice claim.

Studies conducted by the federal government also indicate that nearly 1/3 of long-term care facilities have committed some sort of nursing home malpractice. According to one study, 9,000 cases of nursing home malpractice were discovered throughout the country.

Another study revealed that nearly 5,000 death certificates of patients who resided in nursing homes listed the primary causes of death as:

starvation;
bedsores; or
dehydration.

All 3 of the above conditions could be grounds for filing a claim of nursing home malpractice in West Virginia.

Signs of Nursing Home Malpractice

Residents who are subjected to nursing home malpractice tend to suffer physically, mentally, socially and financially.

Physical signs of malpractice include the following:

pressure ulcers;
bedsores;
infections;
dehydration;
unexplained ailments;
malnutrition;
medication errors;
slip and fall accidents;
untreated pain; and
inappropriate use of physical restraints.

Financial malpractice causes injury and loss to residents with respect to their financial affairs.

Other examples of nursing home malpractice involve:

inadequate staffing;
patient isolation;
under-trained staff; and
negligent supervision.

The federal government passed a nursing home law in the 1980s. The purpose of this federal law was to establish a set of minimum standards governing the nursing home industry.

To hold negligent parties accountable for nursing home malpractice, you should have a lawyer review your case and discuss what legal options are available for you and your loved one.

Contacting a Bridgeport Medical Malpractice Lawyer

If your loved one has suffered injuries as a result of nursing home malpractice in West Virginia, call the medical malpractice attorneys at The Miley Legal Group for a FREE consultation - 304-326-1800.