Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys Serving Raleigh, North Carolina

As of 2018, there were about 52 million people older than 65 years in the United States. According to recent Elder Abuse statistics, approximately 1 out of every ten seniors aged 65+ experience some form of elder abuse every year. The neglect or abuse of older adults in nursing homes is among the leading causes of severe health problems, mental issues, or even death.

If your loved one was abused or injured in a nursing home, you may be eligible to pursue compensation for their injuries. Our experienced nursing home abuse attorneys at Life Law are committed to providing compassionate representation to clients in their nursing home neglect and elder abuse cases. We will fight zealously to protect your loved one's rights and help pursue fair financial compensation for their personal injuries.

Life Law proudly represents clients throughout Raleigh, Franklin County, Wake County, Durham County, and Johnston County, North Carolina.

Rights for Nursing Home
Residents in North Carolina

North Carolina has a bill of rights for nursing home residents. The provisions of the bill include that every resident of a nursing home or adult care facility in the state shall have specific rights including:

• The right to be treated with consideration, respect, and full recognition of personal dignity and individuality.

• The right to receive adequate and appropriate care, treatment, and services in compliance with federal and state statutes.

• The right to receive a written statement of services provided by the facility, at the time of admission and during their stay.

• The right to receive a reasonable response to all requests from the facility's administration or staff.

• The right to receive respect and privacy in medical care programs.

• The right to manage their own financial affairs.

• The right to associate and communicate privately and without restriction with other patients.

Where these rights have been denied, the nursing home may be held responsible for their actions.

How to Recognize Abuse

According to North Carolina law, "abuse" is defined as the willful infliction of injury, unreasonable confinement, or punishment on a person, which results in physical harm, pain, or mental anguish. Elder abuse involves inflicting physical or psychological injury upon an elderly person intentionally.

Use of Restraints

In certain situations, the use of restraints in nursing homes can be beneficial to the safety and care of the resident. Some types of restraints include arm or leg straps, lap pillows, tightly tucked sheets, bed railings, and wheelchair safety bars. However, using restraints improperly or abusively is prohibited. The improper use of restraints can lead to issues such as loss of muscle mass, stiff joints, agitation, bedsores, social withdrawal, and depression.

How to Recognize Neglect

Under North Carolina law, neglect is a failure to provide goods and services necessary to avoid physical harm, mental illness, or mental anguish. The neglect of an elderly person occurs when a caregiver fails to provide adequate and appropriate care, treatment, supervision, and services needed to maintain the senior's mental and physical health.

Staffing Level Requirements for
Nursing Homes in North Carolina

Under North Carolina law, a care facility shall provide licensed nursing staff sufficient to accomplish tasks such as patient care planning, performing a patient needs assessment, and supervisory functions. The care facility must also have sufficient nursing staff to provide related services required to attain or maintain the physical, psychosocial, and mental wellbeing of each resident.

The staffing level requirements for nursing homes in North Carolina (with a total census of 60 nursing beds or less) include:

• At least one licensed nurse on duty for direct patient care at all times

• A registered nurse for at least eight consecutive hours a day, seven days a week

Consequences of Low Staffing

Inadequate staffing can lead to serious consequences including:

• Failure to keep the residence safe (free of hazards)

• Inadequate supervision (leading to falls)

• Failing to provide medical assistance

• Medication negligence

Having lower staffing levels can compromise the quality of care thus causing nursing home neglect, elder abuse, or accidents. The management of the adult care facility may be held responsible when such incidents occur.

Hiring Legal Counsel

The high rate of neglect, abuse, and accidents experienced by residents of adult care facilities and nursing homes alarming. Unfortunately, there are several complicated processes involved in proving negligence and recovering damages. This is why it is important to hire a knowledgeable nursing home abuse attorney to protect your loved one's rights and for help in pursuing rightful compensation.

At Life Law, our attorneys have dedicated their careers to offering outstanding legal services and strong representation in matters of nursing home injury. Our attorneys will review your case and carry out a comprehensive, private investigation.

As your legal counsel, we will fight passionately to protect your vulnerable loved one's rights and help seek fair financial compensation for their injuries, pain, and suffering. With our team on your side, you can anticipate a favorable outcome in your nursing home abuse lawsuit.