More than 90 percent of nursing homes were in violation of federal health and safety standards in 2007, possibly increasing medical malpractice and elder abuse claims.
The Department of Health and Human Services, further reports about 17 percent of nursing homes had deficiencies causing harm or immediate jeopardy to its residents. Some of the violations were infected bedsores, medication mix-ups, abuse and neglect of patients and even poor nutrition.
Medical malpractice lawyers are not surprised by these findings. Attorneys believe it is imperative the public is informed about the high incidence of negligence and injuries occurring, on a daily basis, in our adult community.
Inspectors received 37,150 complaints regarding the mistreatment of nursing home patients in 2007. Thirty-nine percent of complaints were proven according to Daniel R. Levinson, the inspector general of the Department of Health and Human Services.
Research has indicated people receive better care with a higher nurse to patient ratio. A compliance guide for nursing homes released recently by Mr. Levinson states nursing homes, “have systematically failed to provide staff in sufficient numbers and with appropriate clinical expertise to serve their residents.”
These figures only reflect reported complaints. Medical malpractice lawyers, in many states, are growing increasingly frustrated with the lack of support by our legislators. The continuous abuse and neglect of our citizens causing injuries, and the growing restrictions by our lawmakers for attorneys to litigate such claims, makes it very difficult for injured people to receive any type of relief. Attorneys are having a difficult time helping people receive help for injuries directly due to a lack of care by our health care providers.
JusticeNewsFlash.com -Heather Ryan, Medical, Wrongful Death, Injury News Reporter : West Palm Beach, Florida.
