Knoxville Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers
Nursing Home Negligence Attorneys Serving Knoxville and East Tennessee
As our spouses, parents, grandparents, and other family members get older, there may come a time when they require around the clock medical care at a nursing home. Most families do extensive research before they choose a nursing home for their loved one, and when they do choose one, they expect that family member to be treated with respect and dignity. Unfortunately, many facilities deliberately put profits over patients, resulting in tragic consequences for our elderly loved ones. If you or a loved one has been subjected to nursing home neglect or abuse in the Knoxville area, the Knoxville nursing home negligence lawyers at Nahon, Saharovich & Trotz can help you investigate your legal options and assert your rights.
Nursing Homes in Knoxville, Tennessee
The greater Knoxville area, including Knox County, is home to many nursing home and long term care facilities, including Fort Sanders Transitional Care Unit, NHC HealthCare, Serene Manor Medical Center, Island Home Park Health and Rehab, Concordia Nursing and Rehabilitation, Holston Health and Rehabilitation Center, West Hills Health and Rehab, Beverly Park Place Health and Rehab, Asbury Place Maryville, and Summit View of Farragut. Like many communities nationwide, Knoxville’s elderly population is increasing, highlighting the need for competent care and treatment.
Signs of Neglect and Mistreatment in Nursing Homes
Knowing the signs of potential nursing home neglect or abuse is the first step in ensuring that your loved ones are being properly cared for. Abuse can include physical and emotional mistreatment. Many times, management, nurses, and other employees of the nursing home may try to cover up instances of mistreatment or even blame the victim. The best way to identify neglect or abuse is to be aware of common warning signs, such as:
- Bed sores: Also known as pressure ulcers, bed sores are injuries to the skin and tissue resulting from prolonged pressure on the skin. These may be caused by medical professionals not turning patients as required to avoid undue pressure on the legs, feet, and buttocks. Bed sores can range in severity, from Stage 1-4.
- Unexplained fractures, bruises, and cuts: If the nursing home cannot give you an explanation as to why the patient all of a sudden suffered from a fracture or severe bruising, this may be a sign of neglect or abuse.
- Malnutrition and dehydration: Here, you are looking for excessive weight loss, parched lips, and urinary tract infections.
- Falls: If the patient is a fall risk and suffers from several falls over a short time span, the nursing home could be held liable for any injuries sustained. This is commonly due to lack of supervisions and understaffing. Wandering, which normally occurs with patients with cognitive disabilities, can be problematic if residents leave their safe spaces unattended and are injured.
- Poor hygiene: Pay attention to your loved one’s hygiene or lack thereof. This could suggest they are not getting the attention they deserve. Signs to look out for include soiled clothes and bedding.
Pursuing a Claim for Nursing Home Neglect in Tennessee
Nursing homes owe residents a legal duty to provide reasonable care under the circumstances. Failing to live up to those standards could cause an elderly resident to suffer unnecessary harm, which could lead to serious medical conditions. If you suspect that your loved one is not being cared for, it is important to alert the authorities so that an investigation into possible abuse can be initiated. Abused victims, under Tennessee law, also have the legal right to pursue recourse against the facility through the civil court system. At Nahon, Saharovich & Trotz, our nursing home negligence lawyers can help Knoxville residents by conducting a thorough investigation into the harm suffered by your loved one and consult with experts to get to the bottom of what went wrong. Common causes of action that can be asserted against a nursing home and its staff include physical abuse, emotional or psychological abuse, overmedicating patients, and understaffing. Providing inadequate staffing can backfire, as overworked and tired nurses are more prone to making mental errors, mistakes, and mistreating patients. Our lawyers understand the importance of examining all potential claims and theories of recovery in pursuit of justice.
Speak with an Experienced Nursing Home Negligence Attorney Today
We all want the best for our loved ones and should never expect ill treatment from a medical facility we believe is there to help them. However, an unfortunate fact is that over 2 million cases of elderly abuse are reported in nursing homes nationwide each year. If your family member has suffered harm at a nursing home or long term care facility, the experienced Knoxville nursing home negligence attorneys of Nahon, Saharovich & Trotz are available today discuss your case and the ways in which we can help. Our team of over 30 attorneys represents victims of elder abuse across Tennessee, Mississippi, Kentucky, Arkansas, and Missouri. Our Knoxville office serves all of East Tennessee. Contact us toll-free by calling 800-529-4004 or by completing our online form to set up a free consultation with an attorney specializing in medical malpractice and nursing home abuse. With all of our resources and experience at your disposal, NST is the way to go.
Knoxville Office
Nahon, Saharovich & Trotz Personal Injury Attorneys
408 N. Cedar Bluff Road Suite 450
Knoxville, TN 37923
Phone: 865-684-1000
