Nursing home abuse is widespread throughout the country. There are thousands of health citations issued to nursing homes every year as a result of neglect and abuse. Two out of three nursing home caregivers have abused their patients in the last year. These statistics paint a grim picture of nursing home care in Connecticut as many family members wonder if their aging loved one is receiving the appropriate care.
At D’Amico & Pettinicchi, LLC, we help clients pursue financial damages for injuries caused by nursing home abuse. We’ve been holding negligent caregivers and nursing homes accountable and securing financial awards for injured clients for over 100 combined years. Abusing, neglecting, or taking advantage of vulnerable seniors is inexcusable, and our firm is committed to seeking justice and fair compensation for those harmed in nursing homes.
Keep reading to learn about some of the most common causes of Connecticut nursing home abuse.
It’s common to look for answers and explanations when something traumatic happens to people you love. Unfortunately, knowing why someone neglected or abused your vulnerable family member will not make the tragedy any more bearable. Knowing can help you determine what your next steps may be and if you should pursue legal action to hold them accountable for their negligence.
Some of the most common contributing factors to abuse and neglect in Connecticut nursing homes are understaffing, burnout, and improper training.
Understaffing is a significant problem in nursing homes in Connecticut and across the country. Staff-to-patient ratios are dangerously low in some facilities, and when residents cannot get the care they need, injuries and illnesses are not far behind.
Even in facilities with sufficient staff, burnout can negatively impact the level of care staff members provide the residents. The stress of the job and the industry can cause doctors, nurses, and assistants to become negligent in their duties.
Nursing home facilities have a duty to ensure the doctors, nurses, and nursing assistants they hire are properly trained and qualified for the job. Even after hiring, there are also training requirements that must be satisfied, such as two or more hours of annual training in pain recognition and management for staff working in dementia care units.
Older adults who live in long-term care facilities and nursing homes are at especially high risk of being abused or neglected. Seniors often have chronic illnesses, rely on caregivers to help them, and are unable or afraid to report abuse when it occurs. This combination of factors makes them among the most vulnerable populations.
If you believe that a caregiver or nursing facility is responsible for your loved one’s injuries, contact the attorneys at D’Amico & Pettinicchi, LLC. Our firm is dedicated to providing compassionate guidance and aggressive representation in cases involving nursing home abuse. We are happy to speak with anyone looking for help in advocating for their vulnerable senior family members. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation, learn about the common causes of Connecticut nursing home abuse, and whether you have a valid legal claim.
