USA Today recently published a shocking report, saying that veterans across the country are being harmed due to the practices at various Veterans Affairs nursing homes. The VA has released new inspection reports that show systematic problems an no clear way to fix them.
At Russell & Hill, PLLC, we know that nursing home abuse happens, regardless of whether or not they are related to the VA. This kind of abuse is abhorrent. If you need a nursing home abuse attorney in Seattle, call us today so we can secure the compensation you deserve.
What Is Going On?
From April through December 2018, a private contractor cited 52 out of 99 VA nursing homes they inspected for “deficiencies that caused actual harm to veterans.”
The facilities cited were in 25 states in the US, including Washington. Here are some examples of the abuses found included:
- Staff failing to take steps to ensure bedsores healed or new ones did not develop.
- Leaving frail people in the same position for too long.
- Inadequate cleaning of a veteran, leading to six urinary tract infections in seven months.
- Bathing veterans with scalding hot water.
- Residents with dementia and weakness allowed to go outside and smoke.
While these abuses are shocking, they are not only relegated to the VA nursing home system. Private and state-operated facilities also see their share of problems.
Not Just VA Facilities
Some common types of abuse that occur at nursing homes include:
- Financial abuse – Staff at most nursing homes has access to residents’ private financial information. Often, they are responsible for spending their Social Security income or other retirement income. Unfortunately, this leaves room for financial abuse.
- Insurance Fraud – We know that there are times when a nursing home facility will bill a resident’s insurance company for procedures or therapy that is never provided.
- Negligence – Staff should always ensure residents’ basic needs are met. This includes ensuring they have food, medications, baths, regular exercise, and proper wound care. Failing to provide this is neglect.
- Physical Abuse – Excessive physical force of any kind should not be used on a resident. This can include things like slapping, punching, shoving, and more.
- Sexual Abuse – Unwanted sexual contact of any kind between residents and nursing home staff or volunteers is inexcusable.
What We Can Do
There are few worse things than finding out a loved one has been abused in a nursing home or another type of assisted living facility. At Russell & Hill, PLLC, we want to help you and your loved one receive the compensation you deserve. This includes:
- Relocation expenses
- Any medical expenses related to the incident
- Pain and suffering damages
- Loss of enjoyment of life damages
- Punitive damages against those responsible
Not only will a lawsuit help your situation, but it could shine a spotlight on the abuse so nobody else has to go through the same thing. When you need a Seattle nursing home abuse attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation by calling at 206-516-2045.