“David Van Sant has been great. He has helped guide and protect us throughout this entire process. From medical bills to dealing with insurance companies, David has been on point every time. His staff is amazing! I would recommend him to anyone in need of legal assistance. I would hire him again.” (Robert R. – personal injury client)
When you select a nursing home or assisted living facility for your loved one, you trust that they will be cared for with respect, attention, and expertise. In addition, federal laws like the Nursing Home Reform Act and American Disabilities Act protect the rights of elderly residents in Georgia and across the country.
Yet, each year, thousands of elderly and disabled residents are physically, psychologically, and financially harmed by nursing home abuse. In fact, according to a 2014 study conducted by the Special Investigations Division of the House Government Reform Committee, one in three such facilities in the United States were cited for abuse over a two-year span.
At Van Sant Law, we find elder abuse undeniably unacceptable. We believe that the senior population deserves the most compassionate and loving care possible in their golden years, and that facilities have a legal and moral obligation to keep their residents safe, healthy, and comfortable. When abuse cannot be prevented, our nursing home abuse and neglect lawyers are committed to making sure that it is recognized and punished through lawsuits and settlements.
What Is Nursing Home Abuse?
Nursing homes are required to provide reasonable quality care for their residents. Under the law, they should be clean, safe, and well maintained. In addition, your loved one should receive quality personal care, close medical monitoring, and proper nutrition.
A nursing home abuse injury can take a number of different forms, including:
- Intentional physical abuse
- Psychological abuse, including emotional and verbal abuse
- Sexual abuse and sexual assault
- Lack of regular medical care
- Intentionally untreated injuries such as bedsores or illnesses
- Lack of personal hygiene or personal care
- Failure to properly feed and hydrate the patient
- Social isolation or failure to encourage nursing home visitors
- Improper use of restraints
- Overmedication or improper medication
- Lack of fall prevention measures leading to broken bones
- Lack of reasonable safety and security measures
- Failure to protect the patient from other patients
- Financial abuse
Who Is Responsible for Nursing Home Abuse?
Nursing home abuse often occurs because of the negligence or carelessness of the facility itself. For example, the company may not hire enough staff members, fail to conduct proper background checks, or fail to properly train nursing home staff. The business may also ignore signs of abuse or protect employees who are abusing residents.
Van Sant Law, LLC is an experienced and highly respected nursing home negligence law firm in Atlanta, GA. We provide our clients qualified legal counsel regarding compensation and we help families recover monetary damages for injuries suffered by a loved one.
Resources
When fighting abuse, we believe that education is of the utmost importance. We have taken the time to write about some of the major issues related to nursing home abuse and neglect in Georgia, from understanding bedsores to preventing dehydration and malnutrition. We invite you to read and learn about these issues and to share these resources with your loved ones, family members, and fellow caregivers.
Talk to Our Skilled, Atlanta Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys Today
If we are to curb mistreatment and maltreatment towards the elderly, caregivers must take a stand against the negligent and abusive facilities that allow these horrific incidents to take place. If your loved one has been harmed while in the care of a nursing home or assisted living home, you should know your options and your rights.
During a free, confidential consultation at Van Sant Law, an experienced elder injury attorney will listen to your case, review the available evidence, and overview your possible options for legal action. If we believe your loved one’s injuries were caused by intentional abuse or negligence, we will stand by your side and fight until you have received the compensation you need and the justice you deserve.
Atlanta, Alpharetta, Athens, Cumming, Duluth, Lawrenceville, Sandy Springs, and Gainesville.
