Our New York Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers Help Victims When the Use of Restraints Causes Harm
In nursing homes across America, our loved ones are being subjected to abuse and neglect in record numbers. We hear a lot of news stories these days about sexual abuse of nursing home patients and neglect of their essential needs. When nursing home residents suffer injuries at the hands of their caregivers, it is hard for us to believe, but it is important to look for it, address it, and hold the appropriate party responsible.
When a loved one is hurt in a New York nursing home, it may be because of negligence on the part of the owner or operator of the facility. They owe the residents a duty of care. When someone breaches the standard of care, and the result is harm or injury, the victim may be able to file a claim for nursing home abuse or neglect.
Restraints Can Injure Nursing Home Patients
The use of restraints is one way that nursing homes can harm patients. It is not uncommon for nursing homes to “control” their residents using some form of dangerous restraint. There is some debate about whether the use of restraints is ever necessary and if in and of themselves are a form of abuse. If a nursing home is using restraints on someone you know, it may be an act of abuse or negligence.
If you or your family member has been injured while in a nursing home, call our Long Island nursing home abuse lawyers at Alonso Krangle, LLP. We can help you to collect damages the law allows when the actions and decisions of nursing home employees and administrators result in injuries. Ask yourself, “How did my mother get those bruises? Why does she have so many bedsores? Why is my mom afraid of her caregiver?” Make sure you loved one is safe and then contact our nursing home abuse lawyers.
Why do Nursing Homes Use Restraints on Their Residents?
According to Nursing Home Abuse. Org, the number of nursing home patients who are physically or chemically restrained has dropped significantly over the years. However, 10% of all nursing home residents remain victims of this archaic and dangerous practices used to control elderly patients.
Restraints are used in nursing homes to prevent patients from:
- Getting agitated
- Moving around too much
- Harming themselves
- Harming others
In reality, restraints are supposed to be used to keep nursing home residents safe; to prevent falls or other injuries. In practice, however, they can cause physical and emotional injuries that seriously harm patients.
Physical and Chemical Restraints Harm Nursing Home Residents
Chemical restraints are drugs used to sedate nursing home patients. A chemical restraint can be as simple as an anti-anxiety pill but is often stronger and more dangerous. It is not uncommon for nursing homes to administer high doses of tranquilizers, and antipsychotics with the sole purpose of chemically sedating nursing home residents.
Physical restraints include any type of mechanical device, equipment, or any method that is used on a patient that restricts his or her movement. For example, pushing a wheelchair against a wall so it can’t be moved, raising a bed so high that the patient cannot get out or putting up bars on a mattress that the patient can’t move can be physical restraints. Other types of physical restraints include:
- Arm restraints
- Leg restraints
- Ties
- Vests/jackets
- Hand mitts
- Lap trays
Injuries Caused by Restraints in Nursing Homes Are Serious
The use of chemical and physical restraints can result in various injuries to nursing home residents. Since many patients are already compromised physically and/or emotionally, even small injuries can put your loved one in severe danger.
Some injuries caused by restraints are:
- Withdrawal
- Depression
- Bedsores
- Asphyxiation
- Infections
- Bruising
- Confusion
- Loss of strength
- Fear
- Falls
- Immobility
- Loss of bone mass
- Incontinence
- Stiffness
- Fear
- Medication Overdose
Who is Responsible for The Abuse of Your Loved One In a Nursing Home?
Several parties may be responsible for the injuries that the use of restraints causes to your loved one. Consider the following possibilities:
- Did the employee who restrained you receive proper training on safety?
- Did the nursing home do a background check on the employee? Should the nursing home have known the person who hurt you was dangerous? (negligent hiring)
- Did the nursing home know you were being restrained?
- Was the use of restraints excessive, or even necessary?
- Did the nursing home adequately supervise the employees caring for you or your loved one?
- Did the nursing home provide proper medical attention for your injuries?
Nursing home abuse cases can be, and determining who is responsible for injuries is best left in the hands of your attorneys. At Alonso Krangle, LLP our lawyers have experience handling nursing home abuse cases of all types, including those involving the use of restraints. We can help you navigate your claim and ensure that your loved one is safe and that his or her legal rights are secure.
Contact Our New York Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Lawyers to Find Out if You Have a Claim
The most important thing to do if you suspect nursing home abuse is to make sure you or your family member is safe and that any physical injuries they have received attention. After that, consider calling our office for a free consultation. We will listen to the facts of your case and determine the best course of action to take to help you secure any financial compensation the law allows.
Call Alonso Krangle, LLP today at 516-350-5555.