Nursing Home Negligence

Nursing homes and elder care facilities are held to strict standards and can be held responsible for an injury or medical malpractice when an act of negligence, neglect or abuse occurs on the premises. Some examples of negligence include:

• Failing to keep the facility safe and free from hazards:
  If the facility is aware of a defective condition and fails to remedy that condition, the facility can be held liable for an injury. An example is a slip and fall due to a slippery floor or the awareness of a violent patient and/or resident.
• Negligent Hiring
  If the facility hires an employee who neglects, abuses or harms a patient, the facility can be held liable for that employee's actions.
• Negligent Supervision
  If a patient who is prone to falling and inadequate supervision causes a fall and a subsequent injury, the facility can be held liable for that negligence.
• Bedsores
  Bedsores, also known as pressure sores are caused by pressure against the skin in patients who cannot move on their own. New York State Health law requires nursing homes to make sure that patients do not develop bed sores, and if a bed sore does develop, to ensure they receive the necessary treatment as bedsores can be dangerous and even deadly.