Understanding Nursing Home Negligence: What You Need To Know

When Aging Parents Get Hurt: What To Do If Your Parent Has Experienced Nursing Home Abuse

As our parents age, ensuring they receive the care and dignity they deserve becomes a priority. Many families trust nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and hospitals to provide a safe environment for their loved ones. Unfortunately, not all facilities meet that standard. 

Negligence in elder care settings can lead to devastating injuries, emotional distress, and a loss of independence for the most vulnerable members of our families. If your loved one has suffered an injury due to neglect or abuse, knowing your options can make all the difference. Our nursing home neglect lawyer breaks down the warning signs of nursing home abuse and the next steps to take.

Warning Signs of Negligence in Elder Care 

Not every injury in a nursing home or hospital is a result of negligence, but there are clear warning signs that something isn’t right. Some of the most common red flags include: 

• Unexplained injuries. If a loved one has bruises, fractures, or burns without a clear explanation, it may indicate neglect or abuse. 

• Bedsores(Pressure Ulcers). These painful wounds form when a person is left in the same position for too long without movement. They are preventable with proper care. 

• Sudden weight loss or dehydration. Malnutrition and dehydration can be signs of neglect, indicating that a facility is failing to provide adequate nutrition and hydration. 

• Poor hygiene. If your loved one appears unkempt, has a strong odor, or is wearing soiled clothing, staff members may not be providing proper care. 

• Emotional or behavioral changes.  Withdrawal, fearfulness, depression, or agitation can indicate mistreatment, isolation, or abuse. 

• Medication errors.  Receiving the wrong medication or incorrect dosages can cause serious harm. 

If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s important to trust your instincts and take action. 

Steps to Take if You Suspect Negligence or Abuse

If you believe your loved one is being mistreated or neglected in a nursing home or care facility, here’s what you can do: 

1. Document Everything - Write down what you observe, including the dates, times, and descriptions of any concerning incidents. Photos of injuries, poor living conditions, or unsanitary spaces can also be valuable evidence. 

2. Speak to Staff and Management - Address your concerns with the facility’s staff and supervisors. Sometimes, issues arise from understaffing or miscommunication, and they may be willing to correct the problem. However, if they dismiss your concerns or fail to make improvements, that’s a major red flag. 

3. Seek Medical Attention - If your loved one has suffered an injury, take them to a trusted doctor or hospital. A medical professional can assess their condition and determine if neglect played a role. 

4. Report the Facility - In Indiana, you can report suspected abuse or neglect to Adult Protective Services or the Indiana State Department of Health. These agencies investigate complaints and can take action against negligent facilities. 

5. Speak with an Attorney - When a facility’s negligence leads to serious harm, families have the right to seek legal action. A skilled attorney can help you determine if you have a case and guide you through the process of holding the facility accountable. 

Legal Options for Nursing Home Negligence Cases 

If a nursing home or care facility is responsible for an injury, they can be held legally accountable. Families may be entitled to compensation for: 

• Medical expenses – Costs of hospital stays, surgeries, or treatments related to the injury. 

• Pain and suffering. Emotional and physical distress caused by neglect or abuse. 

• Wrongful death. If negligence leads to the loss of a loved one, legal action can help provide justice and financial support for surviving family members. 

• Relocation costs. If you need to move your loved one to a safer facility, those costs may be covered in a legal claim. 

Nursing home negligence cases can be complex, and Indiana has time limits on filing claims. Acting quickly ensures that evidence is preserved and your loved one’s rights are protected. 

How Keller & Keller Can Help 

At Keller & Keller, we understand how painful it is to learn that a loved one has suffered because of someone else’s negligence. Families trust nursing homes and hospitals to care for those who can’t care for themselves, and when that trust is broken, action must be taken. 

Our experienced legal team has fought for the rights of injured nursing home residents across Indiana. We know the tactics facilities use to avoid responsibility, and we’re here to make sure they don’t get away with it. 

If your loved one has been harmed due to nursing home negligence, we’re ready to help. Call us today for a free consultation at 1-800-253-5537 or click here to learn more. You don’t have to face this alone—we’ll fight for your family every step of the way.