If you have a loved one living in a nursing home, you worry about their wellbeing every day. You may have heard stories of residents being abused or neglected, which often results in serious injuries and worsening health. And sometimes, the mistreatment goes beyond abuse and neglect and becomes actual medical malpractice, which can put residents’ lives at risk.
When does medical malpractice happen in nursing homes? There are several scenarios when it can occur, including:
- Prescription drug errors—When residents get the wrong medications, get the wrong dosages of medications, or don’t get their medications at all, they can suffer serious health problems and even die. When that happens, nursing homes can be held liable for medical malpractice.
- Misdiagnosis—Nursing homes typically have doctors on staff who evaluate residents when needed. Because many residents are elderly and vulnerable, it’s important for them to receive prompt and accurate diagnoses. When that doesn’t happen, they can decline in health quickly.
- Failure to escalate care—Nursing homes are often limited in the level of care they can provide to residents. Many residents need to be moved to more capable facilities or hospitals to receive scans, surgery, and other treatments. When that doesn’t happen, their health can worsen.
At Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers, we investigate all nursing home abuse claims for evidence of wrongdoing and other failures of responsibility. And when we find medical malpractice, we don’t hesitate to include it in our compensation claims. Contact our Virginia medical malpractice lawyers today for a free consultation.
