As people age, their physical capabilities begin to decline, and they often enter elder care facilities. As a result, they require assistance with basic activities of daily living such as dressing and bathing. Elderly individuals rely on family members, healthcare professionals, home health aides, and nursing home staff for help with these tasks. In addition to providing assistance in completing everyday activities, facilities that provide care for the elderly must also maintain a clean and safe environment for its residents. According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, one of the duties nursing homes have is to provide a clean environment to prevent the spread of illness and infection.
Poorly Maintained Elder Care Facilities Endanger Residents
Unfortunately, not all facilities provide adequate maintenance and upkeep of their buildings and grounds. When this occurs, serious elder care issues can arise which can have a debilitating impact on elderly residents’ quality of life. Poorly maintained facilities often lack sufficient sanitary conditions or safety protocols which can lead to unsanitary living conditions, infestations of pests such as rodents and insects, mold or mildew due to humidity and dampness, and overall inadequate maintenance of the premises.
Medical Issues Can Result from Substandard Environments
These conditions can lead to a variety of medical issues for elderly residents including respiratory problems from breathing in dust and mold spores; skin irritation from exposure to pests; trauma or falls due to poor upkeep of stairs, railings, floors, and walkways; and even poisoning from hazardous spills that are not properly cleaned up. Furthermore, living in these substandard environments can cause extreme discomfort for elderly individuals, which can reduce their quality of life.
Liability in a Nursing Home Accident
When it comes to liability in elder care accidents, the same basic rules and principles of negligence law apply. Generally speaking, a plaintiff must be able to prove that an at-fault party was negligent in their actions or omissions, which caused injury to the plaintiff. In a nursing home accident case, there may be multiple parties who can be held accountable for negligence.
Getting Legal Assistance for a Nursing Home Injury Claim
Given the complexity of nursing home negligence cases, legal assistance from an experienced personal injury attorney can make a big difference. An attorney assists you by identifying all of the liable parties as well as evaluating your damages and building a strong case for compensation. They can also represent you in court and during settlement negotiations with insurance companies.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a nursing home accident or your family member died due to negligence or neglect, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Contact an experienced personal injury attorney today for more information about your legal rights and options.
The consequences of poorly maintained care facilities for the elderly can be devastating. Not only do residents suffer from physical ailments as a result of substandard living conditions, but they are also denied the dignity and respect that they deserve. It is thus essential that all parties involved – facility administrators, staff members, family members, and government agencies – take action to ensure that elderly care facilities are properly maintained in order to protect the health and well-being of their residents.
Roeser Law Firm: Personal Injury Lawyers
The Roeser Law Firm can assist if a loved one in an elder care facility suffers an illness, injury or other harm caused by neglect or negligence in the Washington, D.C. area or Maryland. Our team has assisted many clients in obtaining the compensation and justice they deserve. Get in touch with us by calling (202) 660-4070 or using our online form.
