Putting a loved one into a nursing home or assisted living facility is one of the hardest decisions any family makes, even if it is ultimately the best option for your loved one. Unfortunately, that difficult decision can become a nightmare if the facility does not give each resident the consideration and care they deserve. At times, residents are left unattended and unassisted, and they fall and suffer hip fractures or brain injuries. Other times, the facility fails to implement measures to prevent pressure ulcers or pressure wounds that become infected. Dehydration and medication mismanagement are also concerns. Unfortunately, the elderly are more vulnerable to injury and often die from nursing home negligence. When you find yourself in this situation, you know all too well how overwhelming and infuriating it can be.

While financial compensation cannot erase the harm done to a vulnerable resident by abusive or neglectful nursing homes, pursuing fair recovery with the help of a skilled personal injury attorney can hold the facility accountable for its misconduct. From start to finish, a compassionate Waterbury nursing home abuse lawyer at D’Amico & Pettinicchi, LLC, will work diligently to advocate for the rights of your loved one and your family.

What Does Nursing Home Abuse Look Like?

Understandably enough, many people who hear or see the term “nursing home abuse” or “nursing home neglect” probably think first of intentional physical acts of abuse like a staff member slapping, pushing, or roughly handling a resident. While nursing home abuse can take this form, it is not common. Rather, nursing home abuse often occurs due to neglect or carelessness by the facility in failing to identify and implement health risk protection measures. Some examples of incidents that may be indicative of nursing home malpractice include

  • Falls leading to fractures or brain injuries;
  • Choking on food because of improper diet assessment;
  • Over-medication or medication mismanagement resulting in death;
  • Dehydration;
  • Development of Pressure Wounds or Pressure Ulcers;

Nursing homes and long-term care facilities are strictly regulated by the federal government and the laws of the state of Connecticut, including the Resident’s Bill of Rights. If you have a concern regarding the care your loved one has received, reach out to a Waterbury nursing home abuse attorney at D’Amico & Pettinnichi, LLC. In addition, you may file a complaint online with the Connecticut Department of Public Health or contact the Long Term Care Ombudsman Office.

Recovering Compensation on a Loved One’s Behalf

Civil litigation over nursing home negligence is similar to a medical malpractice claim and is subject to the same procedural rigors and pitfalls. Unfortunately, death commonly results from nursing home negligence, and a wrongful death lawsuit is generally filed if the negligence caused your loved one’s death. No one should have their life cut short by negligence.

In extreme situations involving egregious negligence or intentionally malicious acts, the court may impose additional punitive damages against the defendant(s) to deter the facility from future similar conduct, as a well-practiced nursing home neglect lawyer in Waterbury could explain.

Discuss Legal Options With a Waterbury Nursing Home Abuse Attorney

Litigation over nursing home negligence of any kind is understandably intensely emotional and stressful. In this situation, guidance and representation from experienced legal counsel can be key not just to obtaining a favorable result but also to minimizing additional heartache for yourself and your whole family.

D’Amico & Pettinicchi, LLC has been at the forefront of nursing home litigation in Connecticut for over 30 years. We are often sought out by other attorneys to handle nursing home negligence claims because of our experience and record of success.

A conversation with a Waterbury nursing home abuse lawyer at D’Amico & Pettinicchi, LLC, can provide you with clarity about your rights and confidence about what next steps to take. Call us today to schedule a consultation.