Nursing Home Neglect Lawyer in Santa Fe

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Trusted Nursing Home Neglect Lawyers in Santa Fe, NM

Are you or a loved one a victim of nursing home neglect or elder abuse in Santa Fe, NM? It can be challenging and distressing, but you don't have to face it alone. The team at Sloan Firm specializes in representing victims of nursing home neglect and elder abuse. 

With years of dedicated experience, our New Mexico nursing home abuse attorneys are committed to fighting for justice and fair compensation for those who have suffered due to negligence or mistreatment.

Our team understands the sensitive nature of these cases and will handle your elder abuse case on a contingent fee basis, meaning you only pay if we win your case.

Trust our experienced and compassionate attorneys to advocate for your rights and hold the responsible parties accountable. Don't wait - seek the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact our Santa Fe law office for a free consultation.

What is Nursing Home Neglect?

Nursing home neglect represents a failure to fulfill residents' basic needs, resulting in detrimental consequences. 

This form of neglect manifests in multiple aspects, from physical to emotional. It might be evident through physical abuse signs such as inexplicable injuries or through neglect of personal care, leading to inadequate hygiene. Residents might also suffer from malnutrition and dehydration. 

Furthermore, neglect can inflict emotional and mental anguish, exemplified by symptoms of depression. Typical physical manifestations of neglect include bedsores and recurring infections. Such neglect not only jeopardizes the health of residents but also undermines their dignity.

Root Causes of Nursing Home Neglect

Nursing home neglect arises from systemic issues within the facility, jeopardizing the welfare of residents.

These foundational problems can lead to severe health complications, such as falls and exacerbated medical conditions. 

At its core, neglect signifies a failure to provide the essential care that residents rightfully deserve, indicative of a lack of commitment to their well-being.

Prominent factors contributing to nursing home neglect include:

  • Chronic Understaffing
  • Deficient Staff Training
  • Limited Resources for Ensuring Quality Care

Identifying Signs of Nursing Home Neglect in Santa Fe

Recognizing the indicators of neglect in Santa Fe nursing homes is crucial for safeguarding the well-being of residents.

Vigilance towards both physical and emotional signs is essential to preventing nursing home neglect. If you observe any of the symptoms listed below, prompt intervention is imperative:

Physical Indicators of Neglect:

  • Persistent Bedsores
  • Recurrent Falls
  • Deterioration in Personal Hygiene

Emotional Indicators of Neglect:

  • Noticeable Changes in Behavior
  • Sudden Mood Fluctuations

Environmental Red Flags of Neglect:

  • Unsanitary Living Conditions
  • Neglected Maintenance and Upkeep

Legal Protections for Victims of Nursing Home Neglect

Experiencing or witnessing neglect or abuse in a nursing home can be deeply distressing. In these challenging moments, it's vital to remember that you're not powerless. 

Legal safeguards are in place to empower you to confront such injustices. These rights are designed to hold accountable parties responsible and, in certain instances, to pursue compensation for the inflicted harm. 

You're not isolated in this endeavor; there's support available to help you assert your rights and take decisive action. Fundamental rights outlined under 42 U.S. Code § 1395i–3 include:

Right to Quality of Care

Residents are entitled to care that meets their individual needs and adheres to regulatory standards. This includes access to comprehensive medical care, assistance with daily activities, and a living environment that ensures safety, cleanliness, and respect for dignity.

Right to Informed Consent

Residents possess the right to be fully informed about their medical treatment options and retain the autonomy to make their own healthcare decisions, including refusing specific treatments.

Right to Privacy

Residents have the right to maintain the confidentiality of their medical records and personal belongings.

Right to Voice Concerns

Residents are empowered to express concerns about their care without fear of retaliation. They also have the right to lodge formal complaints if necessary.

Right to Legal Representation

Should residents suspect neglect, they have the legal right to consult an attorney to understand their rights better, explore potential remedies, and pursue compensation if warranted.

Steps to Take After Reporting Neglect

When addressing nursing home neglect, being informed and proactive is vital. Neglect can have severe consequences for residents, so recognizing signs like bedsores, bruises, sudden weight loss, and changes in behavior is crucial. 

Once neglect is reported, it's vital to take appropriate action. Here are some steps to follow:

  • Document Signs and Symptoms: Keep a record of any indicators of neglect, such as bedsores or weight loss. Photographs of injuries or changes in condition can serve as crucial visual evidence.
  • Gather Medical Records: Obtain medical records that show a decline in health or unexplained injuries, as they can be pivotal in supporting your case.
  • Collect Eyewitness Accounts: Statements from staff members or other residents can be invaluable in documenting neglect.
  • Contact the Ombudsman or New Mexico Department of Health: If you still need to, contact these authorities for additional support and information on the steps being taken.
  • Request Follow-Up Reports: Ask for updates or reports on actions being undertaken in response to your report.
  • Stay Engaged in the Process: Continuously advocate for the welfare of the nursing home resident and stay involved in ensuring their well-being.
  • Consult with an Attorney: If the problem isn't addressed and keeps happening, it might be time to talk to a Santa Fe personal injury attorney and consider taking legal action.

Resources for Victims and Families in Santa Fe

If you suspect nursing home neglect in Santa Fe, NM, the process for reporting it officially is as follows:

  1. Contact the New Mexico Department of Health: You can report nursing home neglect to the New Mexico Department of Health by calling their toll-free hotline at 1-800-752-8649 or by visiting their website to complete a complaint form.
  2. File a report with Adult Protective Services (APS): You can also report nursing home neglect to APS by calling their hotline at 1-866-654-3219. APS will investigate reports of neglect and abuse of vulnerable adults.
  3. Contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman: Another option for reporting nursing home neglect is to contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman, who advocates for the rights and interests of residents in long-term care facilities.

It is essential to report any suspected nursing home neglect as soon as possible to ensure the safety and well-being of the residents.

The authorities will investigate the allegations and take necessary actions to address the neglect.

Why Choose The Sloan Firm For Your Nursing Home Abuse Case

Sloan Law Firm

At The Sloan Firm, we get how heart-wrenching it is to decide to place a loved one in a care facility. You should be able to trust that the staff will treat your family member with love and respect, providing top-notch physical and medical care.

Sadly, we know that stories of injuries, neglect, and, in worst cases, death in long-term care facilities aren't rare. That's where our team of experienced nursing home neglect lawyers comes in – we're here to help you make these facilities answer for their actions.

We understand the complexities of these cases and the emotional toll they take. We're here to support you every step of the way, ensuring that your pursuit of justice is backed by compassionate professionals committed to getting results for you and your loved ones. Contact us today at (505) 445-5000 or online for a free consultation.

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