Georgia Nursing Home Neglect Lawyers

We all want to be able to take care of our loved ones as they age so that they can stay in an environment that they are comfortable with and so we can make sure they are getting the care they need and deserve. Unfortunately, our elderly loved ones may need more care than we are able to provide and may need to stay at a nursing home. The Georgia Department of Human Services reports that the population of people sixty or older is likely to rise by seventy-five percent in 2030. This means that more people will be living in nursing homes and that more people may be the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect. If someone you care about may have been neglected or abused while staying in a nursing home, it is important that you speak to a nursing home abuse and neglect lawyer with the Higgins Firm. We will answer any questions you may have and will work with you to make sure that you get the compensation you need for what you and your family have been through.

When you have someone you care about staying in a nursing home or if you are considering a nursing home, it is a good idea to visit the nursing home and your loved one often. This way you can be aware of any signs of neglect or abuse and will be able to report the abuse to the nursing home or to the proper state department. Some common signs of abuse and neglect to watch for include but are not limited to:

• your loved one has unexplained bruises, sores, cuts or scars
• your loved one may have broken bones that have not healed properly and are unexplained by the nursing home
• your loved one may appear agitated or withdrawn more then they normally might be
• they may have loss a significant amount of weight or seem dehydrated or hungry
• your loved ones' personal items may be missing or damaged
• the nursing home staff may try to restrict your visiting hours or access to your loved one
• your loved one may appear to be heavily medicated
• you may notice that your loved one is living in conditions that are unsafe for their health and well-being (i.e. dirty floors, bed sheets, clothes, bathroom)

If you notice any of these signs, you should speak to the nursing home right away about your concerns. If this does not resolve the issue, you should contact the Georgia Department of Health or an adult protective services agency about your loved one's abuse and neglect.

If someone you love is in a nursing home, it is recommended that you are aware of the laws and regulations concerning nursing homes and nursing home abuse and neglect in the state of Georgia. This way you know your rights and know what your options are should you need them. Some of the laws to be aware of include:

• Georgia nursing homes by law are required to have no less than one registered or licensed nurse working on each eight hour shift. A qualified nursing staff and other staff are required to be available at all times to meet the needs of the nursing home residents.
• No less than one dentist, one doctor and one registered nurse is required at all nursing homes in the state.
• Each resident must be allowed and able to visit the doctor no less than once every thirty days.
• Each nursing home is required by law to have a certified and qualified dietician at the home to make sure that nutritional meals and individual meals for each residents' needs are being served.
• All nursing homes must have a professional and qualified social services staff to handle any mental, emotional, social or any other issues that they residents may have.
• A pharmacy and pharmaceutical staff must be in all nursing homes and abide by federal and state laws
• All nursing homes are required to use proper sanitation practices such as cleaning clothes and sheets, and making sure the home is free of trash or any other waste material.
• All nursing homes must all provide social activities and recreation for each resident.
• All residents should be allowed to have visiting hours with their loved ones or friends.

If you suspect that your loved one has been abused or neglected while in a nursing home or one of the above standards for each nursing home in the state of Georgia has not been met, then you should contact one of our compassionate and experienced lawyers at the Higgins Firm. We will review your case, address any concerns you may have and fight for you and your loved one to see to it that you get the compensation you need for what you have suffered. We will also make sure that the party responsible is held accountable for their actions.

Please contact us today online or by calling 800.705.2121 to discuss your legal options.