Lake Charles Nursing Home Negligence Lawyer

Lake Charles Nursing Home Negligence Attorney

When a person receives care in a hospital, emergency room, nursing home or elder care facility, that person has the right to receive treatment that meets the standard of care. Unfortunately, EMTs, nurses, emergency room personnel, staff members and other medical professionals and facility owners can make mistakes that result in serious injuries to their patients. If this happens, consider working with a Lake Charles nursing home negligence lawyer.

At the Louisiana law firm of Lee M. Schwalben, M.D., J.D., LLC, we are dedicated to holding hospitals, nursing homes and medical professionals accountable for their medical mistakes and nursing home negligence or abuse. If you have been injured or have lost a loved one, it is in your best interest to speak with a Lake Charles nursing home negligence lawyer to find out if a medical malpractice lawsuit can help you.

An Experienced Attorney And Former Doctor Will Help You Recover Your Losses in Lake Charles, LA

Attorney Lee M. Schwalben represents victims of serious injuries and wrongful deaths resulting from medical errors in hospitals and nursing homes, including:

• Improper medical treatment during ambulance transport: Mistreatment during ambulance transport puts patients at risk. The crew must deliver proper care by monitoring vital signs and using equipment properly. If the crew does not follow basic protocol, a patient’s condition could worsen and cause serious and lasting harm.
• Lack of training or under-staffing: Poor training and understaffing leave nursing home residents vulnerable. When facilities fail to hire or train enough staff, residents can suffer from malnutrition, poor hygiene, and other forms of neglect. Understaffed homes often lead to delayed medical treatment or increased risk of dangers like falls. Properly trained staff provide critical care and ensure residents are safe.
• Delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis of an illness or condition: Incorrectly diagnosing an illness or condition affects treatment outcomes for vulnerable patients. Timely diagnosis is important for preventing illnesses from worsening. A misdiagnosis can lead to incorrect treatments, causing further harm. Errors like these can result from rushed or improper assessments.
• Surgical errors: Errors during surgery can include incorrect incisions and surgeries done to the wrong part of a patient’s body. These mistakes can result in infections, chronic pain, or loss of function. Errors can occur if medical staff fail to follow safety protocols or effectively communicate. Patients injured due to surgical mistakes may seek compensation for damages.
• Emergency room errors: Emergency rooms handle high-stakes cases but still have to follow medical standards. Mistakes, such as misdiagnosed symptoms or wrong medications, can worsen a patient’s condition. Overworked staff or poor record-keeping often contribute to these errors. Patients who suffer from emergency room mistakes may have grounds for a negligence claim.
• Hospital errors and negligence: Hospitals have a duty to provide safe care, but negligence sometimes leads to harm. Common issues include delayed treatment and unsanitary conditions, both of which can lead to an infection. Families affected by hospital errors and negligence can take legal steps to enforce safer practices taken by staff and administrators.
• Nursing home negligence resulting in bedsores, decubitus ulcers and other injuries: Bedsores and ulcers result from too much pressure for a long period of time, usually due to poor care. Nursing homes have to reposition residents and monitor their skin health to prevent these injuries. Neglect can lead to painful or infected sores that can be life-threatening.
• Nursing home abuse and misconduct: Abuse and misconduct in nursing homes can devastate families and residents. Common signs include unexplained bruises, changes in behavior, and weight loss. Facilities have a duty to protect residents, but abuse can happen when the staff neglects their duties. Filing a claim can encourage nursing homes to improve oversight to reduce future instances of abuse.

As a former practicing physician, attorney Schwalben brings a unique perspective to his work and uses that medical background to build the best possible case for hospital negligence, nursing home negligence and other medical malpractice claims.

Legal Rights of Residents and Families

Nursing home residents have rights protecting their safety and dignity. These rights include access to proper medical care, freedom from abuse, and the ability to make choices on personal matters. Louisiana gives nursing home residents the right to participate in care decisions and file complaints against care facilities.

State and federal laws hold nursing homes to a specific standard of care. Families have the right to advocate for their loved ones and file complaints when necessary. When facilities violate these rights, families may have grounds for legal action to address harm. Families should be familiar with these rights so they can step in when they see signs of neglect or abuse.

Proving Nursing Home Negligence

Proving that a nursing home is negligent involves showing that the facility failed in its duty to provide adequate care, which caused harm to the resident. Evidence is important and can include medical records, photographs, and testimonies. Collecting these documents can help build a case that links the facility’s negligence to the resident’s injuries.

Family members can play an important role by documenting the signs of neglect, such as physical injuries or changes in behavior. Statements from staff, other residents, and medical professionals can also support the claim. These testimonies offer insight into care standards and can help establish liability.

An attorney experienced in nursing home cases can explain the legal process, file claims on their client’s behalf, and guide families through gathering and presenting evidence. This can ensure the case is handled professionally and thoroughly.

For Your Protection, Seek Legal Help Today

Schedule a free initial consultation to protect your rights, or the rights of a loved one, after a serious act of medical negligence or nursing home negligence. Call us at our Lake Charles office at 337-494-5757. You may also send us an email.

FAQs

Q: What Are the Most Common Forms of Nursing Home Negligence?

A: Some of the most common forms of nursing home abuse include neglect of basic needs, emotional neglect, and medical negligence. Neglect of basic needs involves failing to provide sufficient food, water, or hygienic care. Emotional neglect occurs when staff ignore or isolate residents, leading to anxiety or depression. Medical negligence might involve failing to correctly administer medications and neglecting necessary medical care.

Q: How Do I Report Nursing Home Negligence in Louisiana?

A: To report nursing home negligence in Louisiana, you can contact the Louisiana Department of Health’s Adult Protective Services. APS investigates reports, assesses the safety of nursing home residents, and enforces corrective actions when needed. Local law enforcement can also handle severe or ongoing cases of negligence. Promptly reporting negligent behavior is important to protect residents and hold nursing homes accountable.

Q: What Are the Rights of Nursing Home Residents to Protect Against Negligence in Louisiana?

A: The rights of nursing home residents in Louisiana are meant to protect their dignity, safety, and health. These include the right to safe medical care, freedom from abuse and neglect, and the ability to make personal choices. Louisiana also allows residents to participate in decisions about their care, voice complaints, and expect privacy. Nursing homes have to honor these rights to create a respectful and caring environment for all residents.

Q: What Should You Do if You Suspect Neglect in a Nursing Home?

A: If you suspect neglect in a nursing home, you should first make sure your loved one is safe. Report the abuse to the nursing home’s management or Louisiana’s Adult Protective Services to start an investigation. Document any signs of abuse to support a potential case, such as physical injuries or changes in behavior. Acting quickly can protect your loved one and keep nursing homes honest.

Work With a Lake Charles Nursing Home Negligence Lawyer

Nursing homes should offer safe and compassionate care to residents, but some fail to meet basic standards. If a nursing home neglects its duty to your loved ones, it’s important to address this issue by speaking with an attorney. Schedule a consultation with Lee M. Schwalben, M.D., J.D., LLC, today to help keep your loved one and other residents safe.