Rio Rancho Nursing Home Abuse Attorney

Nursing Home Neglect Defenders

Nursing homes and institutional employees have a duty to provide the most comprehensive care to their residents. When that duty is breached, it is considered medical malpractice.

Residents of nursing homes have rights and are protected by both state and federal law. If you believe that a long-term care facility or hospital is guilty of abusing or neglecting one of its residents, our Rio Rancho nursing home abuse lawyers at the Law Office of Nathan Cobb are ready to help you and your family. We will review your case, explain your legal options, and help you take the necessary steps to protect your loved one.

Call (505) 572-1160 or fill out our online contact form today to discuss your case with our team.

What is Nursing Home Abuse?

Nursing home abuse occurs when a resident suffers physical, emotional, sexual, or financial harm due to the negligence or intentional misconduct of caregivers. Abuse can be inflicted by staff members, fellow residents, or even visitors to the facility. Sadly, many elderly victims are unable or unwilling to speak up, which means family members must be vigilant for signs of mistreatment.

Federal and state laws protect nursing home residents from abuse and neglect, ensuring they receive proper care and dignity. If these rights are violated, legal action may be necessary to hold the responsible parties accountable.

Common Types of Nursing Home Injuries

Nursing home injuries can take many forms, including:

• Bedsores (Pressure Ulcers): These painful wounds develop when a resident is left in one position for too long without proper movement.
• Falls and Fractures: Many nursing home residents have mobility issues, and inadequate supervision can lead to falls that result in broken bones or head injuries.
• Malnutrition and Dehydration: Neglecting to provide residents with proper nutrition and hydration can cause serious health complications.
• Medication Errors: Administering the wrong medication, incorrect dosage, or missing doses entirely can be life-threatening.
• Infections: Poor hygiene, unsanitary conditions, and neglect can lead to dangerous infections, such as sepsis or urinary tract infections.
• Physical and Emotional Abuse: Unexplained bruises, withdrawal from social interaction, and fearfulness may indicate that a resident has suffered physical or emotional abuse.

Common Causes of Nursing Home Injuries

There are several reasons why nursing home injuries occur, including:

• Understaffing: Many facilities do not employ enough caregivers to meet the needs of residents, leading to neglect and preventable accidents.
• Poor Training: Staff members who are not properly trained may mishandle residents or fail to recognize medical emergencies.
• Neglect and Lack of Supervision: Residents who require assistance with daily activities may be left unattended, increasing the risk of injury.
• Inadequate Facility Maintenance: Unsafe conditions such as slippery floors, broken handrails, or malfunctioning equipment can lead to accidents.
• Abuse by Caregivers or Other Residents: Some injuries result from intentional harm inflicted by staff or other residents.

Who is Liable for a Nursing Home Injury?

Determining liability in a nursing home injury case requires a thorough investigation. Depending on the circumstances, one or more parties may be held responsible, including:

• The Nursing Home Facility: If a nursing home fails to provide a safe environment, hire qualified staff, or properly train employees, it may be liable for injuries.
• Individual Staff Members: If a caregiver intentionally harms a resident or acts negligently, they may be personally responsible.
• Third-Party Contractors: Some facilities outsource services such as medical care, housekeeping, or security. If negligence occurs, these third-party providers could be liable.
• Other Residents: If a resident is injured due to the violent actions of another resident, the facility may be responsible for failing to prevent the harm.

Why Choose the Law Office of Nathan Cobb?

At the Law Office of Nathan Cobb, we are committed to protecting the rights of nursing home residents and their families. Our Rio Rancho nursing home injury lawyer has extensive experience handling elder abuse and negligence claims, fighting tirelessly for the compensation and justice our clients deserve.

We provide personalized legal representation, conducting thorough investigations and leveraging expert testimony to strengthen your case. Our goal is to hold negligent parties accountable and ensure your loved one receives the care and respect they deserve.

Contact us today at (505) 572-1160 to schedule a free consultation.