Practice Area Type: Nursing Home Abuse

Residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities have the right to receive proper care and be treated with dignity and respect. Unfortunately, these residents often suffer many forms of abuse and neglect, leading to serious injuries and damages.

At TSR Injury Law, we seek to obtain justice and fair compensation for these injured and neglected victims who may often be unable to speak for themselves. Our team of legal professionals have decades of combined experience and have successfully recovered over $1 billion for our clients, including $475,000 in compensation for an 87-year-old who suffered a traumatic brain injury in a slip and fall accident.

We have a team of knowledgeable Saint Paul nursing home abuse attorneys, including partner Rich Ruohonen, who has been selected as a Super Lawyer by Minnesota Law & Politics Magazine for the last 15 years.

We offer a free legal consultation with no upfront costs to pay. TSR Injury Law charges no fees at all unless we first achieve compensation for your loved one.

Call (612) TSR-TIME to learn more. Free consultation

How Can I Be Sure I Have A Case?

Nursing home abuse or neglect cases are complex, and there are many details about your potential claim that your attorney will need to understand before he or she can answer this question, including:

If you have concerns about your loved one’s well-being or suspect he or she may have been abused, we encourage you to contact one of our qualified Saint Paul nursing home abuse lawyers. We offer a free legal consultation to discuss your situation and determine whether you may have a valid case. This is also a great time to ask any questions you may have about the legal process for a nursing home abuse claim.

Call to speak with one of our Saint Paul nursing home abuse lawyers: (612) TSR-TIME

What Types of Compensation Can We Pursue?

If you have a valid case, these are the types of damages you may be eligible to pursue:

• Economic – costs incurred for medical interventions, rehabilitation or physical therapy, prescribed medication or required surgeries
• Non-economic – damages that do not have a tangible value, such as pain and suffering
• Punitive – These damages are not intended as an award for the victim, but rather designed to punish the perpetrator for his or her malicious actions.

How May a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Benefit My Claim?

Hiring an experienced nursing home abuse lawyer often results in higher settlements than for those who try to pursue this difficult type of claim on their own.

Additionally, our knowledgeable attorneys handle personal injury cases every day, as opposed to a victim or family member who is attempting to file this type of claim for the first time.

If you hire us to manage your case, there are several steps we may take to aggressively pursue maximum compensation:

What Are Nursing Home Residents’ Rights in Minnesota?

Nursing home residents in Minnesota are protected not just by federal laws, such as the 1987 Nursing Home Reform Act , but also by the state. The Minnesota Bill of Patient Rights provides numerous rights and protections for nursing home residents, including:

Additionally, the facility must take reasonable steps to ensure each resident is fully informed about his or her rights, such as providing a translator or other types of communication assistance, if necessary.

Our St. Paul nursing home abuse lawyers understand both the federal and state laws and how they apply to your loved one’s care. Contact our office to discuss your potential claim and learn how we may be able to help.

TSR Injury Law: Complete our Free online case form today.

Who May Liable in a Case of Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect?

There are multiple parties who may be liable in a case of abuse or neglect.

• Staff members – This may include anyone responsible for providing direct care to residents, including physicians, dieticians, nursing staff and other caregivers.
• Company owners – Facility owners may be liable if there are issues such as negligent hiring, inadequate background checks, lack of training or poor staff supervision.
• Third parties – There are multiple other third parties who could share liability, including contractors or individuals who are on site to visit other patients.

What Are Some Signs That May Indicate Abuse or Neglect?

Signs and symptoms of abuse or neglect may go unnoticed if family members are not able to visit their loved one frequently. Nursing home abuse takes many forms, and unfortunately, many victims are often unable to communicate what has happened to them, either out of fear or because of certain physical or mental limitations.

These are some of the most common signs of abuse or neglect to look for:

Neglect – Any type of substandard care that can result in harm to a nursing home resident

Physical Abuse – Causing injury to a resident by inflicting physical harm, such as pinching or slapping, punching, kicking or shoving that causes injury to your loved one, including:

Sexual Abuse – Any non-consensual sexual contact that is forced upon a nursing home resident may lead to:

Emotional/Psychological Abuse – Although there are no physical injuries with this type of abuse, which is caused by purposely isolating, bullying, verbally abusing or publicly humiliating a resident, there are still certain behaviors that may suddenly appear, such as:

Financial Fraud – It can be very difficult to catch caretakers or other parties who take financial advantage of an elderly resident, including stealing money, using a resident’s credit or debit card, or intimidating a patient into signing over his or her power of attorney. However, there may be signs such as:

• Being billed for unexplained medications the resident does not normally take or atypical services
• Personal items of value may go missing
• Unusual purchases may show up on bank statements or credit card bills
• Cash withdrawals that happen at unusual times, such as when the resident is sleeping
• Unexplained medical bills, such as being billed twice for a service that was never received

Are you concerned your loved one may have suffered abuse? Call TSR Injury Law today: (612) TSR-TIME

How Long Do I Have To File A Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuit?

Like other types of Minnesota personal injury claims, a case of nursing home abuse must be filed within the state’s strict two-year statute of limitations  – or deadline. It is important to note, however, that since no claim is the same, your potential case could be regulated by a different timeline.

We encourage you to contact our team of nursing home abuse lawyers today. If you have a case, we will have ample time to investigate and file before the deadline passes.

What You Can Do If You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse

• Speak to the administrator, director or owner of the facility
• Contact the Office of the Area Ombudsman for elderly Minnesota Residents
• Report the abuse to the Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center to create an official record of the incident. This call center is available to take your calls 24/7

If you suspect your elderly family member has suffered any type of nursing home neglect or abuse, protect them from further harm by immediately reporting the incident immediately. We also strongly recommend that you contact a trusted nursing home abuse lawyer to discuss potential legal options.

Contact a Saint Paul Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer for a Free Consultation

Our personal injury attorneys at TSR Injury Law have been giving a voice to injured victims for over 20 years and have recovered millions in compensation on their behalf. If you hire our team of legal professionals, we are prepared to handle the entire legal process of your case, protecting your rights and bests interests, as well as keeping you informed.

If we determine you have a case and you hire us to represent you, we will investigate your claim to the fullest, including gathering statements, medical reports and any other evidence that may strengthen your claim.

Our phone lines are open 24/7. (612) TSR-TIME Free consultation.

Negligent nursing home providers can leave victims with lifelong injuries and trauma. Unfortunately, many nursing home cases are the result of mistakes made by staff that could have been prevented. Has your loved one suffered abuse or neglect at a nursing home in Minnesota?

The Minneapolis nursing home abuse attorneys at TSR Injury Law are dedicated to protecting residents’ rights and holding nursing homes accountable for abuse and neglect. Our experienced legal team has obtained over $1 billion for our clients over more than 20 years. Partner Nate Bjerke is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates and the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers.

If you suspect your loved one may be a victim of nursing home neglect, contact our law offices today to find out how we may be able to help. Your initial consultation is free and we work on a contingency fee basis, so you will not pay anything out of pocket unless we win compensation.

Call us now at (612) TSR-TIME for more information and to schedule a free review of your claim.

Determining if You Have a Case

This is a complex question because of how many factors are involved in a nursing home abuse case, including:

There are also different regulations depending on the type of facility where your loved one was staying:

• Residential care – These are generally smaller homes that house up to 20 residents. Residents typically do not need medical or nursing care, but personal care is available to residents 24 hours a day.
• Boarding facilities – These are often in neighborhoods and could be run by individuals or businesses.
• Intermediate care homes – Typically, these places do not provide 24/7 skilled nursing care and they house up to about 15 residents.
• Skilled nursing homes – These facilities have medical service professionals 24/7, including therapists and nurses.

We recommend contacting one of our Minneapolis nursing home abuse lawyers for a free consultation to discuss your claim. We can determine if there may be a viable case.

What Types of Compensation Might be Available?

Nursing home abuse can be physically, psychologically and financially devastating for the victim and his or her loved ones. By filing a nursing home abuse claim, you may be able to obtain compensation for these damages, which may include:

• Economic damages – medical expenses for rehabilitation therapy, medication or other medical treatment
• Non-economic damages – compensation for pain and suffering
• Punitive damages – damages to punish the caregiver for malicious abuse or neglect

Why Call a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer?

Personal injury victims who hire an attorney often recover more compensation than those who do not.

TSR Injury Law’s experienced attorneys have extensive knowledge of the legal process, relevant laws, how to determine the fair value of damages and how to negotiate for fair compensation.

Our lawyers have been representing injury victims for more than 20 years and have recovered $300 million in compensation. If you hire our firm, we can manage the entire legal process from start to finish, protecting your best interests every step of the way.

If you have a case, we can launch a comprehensive investigation, reviewing medical reports, consulting medical experts and obtaining records from the facility.

Free consultation. (612) TSR-TIME

What is the Time Limit for Filing a Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuit?

Many Minnesota personal injury cases are governed by a two-year statute of limitations a lawsuit must be filed within two years of the date of the abuse or neglect. However, every claim is different, so the deadline for your claim could be before or after those two years.

It takes time to build a case, so we encourage you to not delay in contacting our firm for your free, no-obligation legal consultation.

Nursing Home Residents’ Rights in Minnesota

The 1987 Nursing Home Reform Act is a federal law created to protect residents’ rights. Residents’ rights are also protected by the Minnesota Bill of Patient Rights.

These laws declare numerous rights for nursing home residents, such as the right to:

If a patient does not speak English or has other special communication needs, the facility is required to make reasonable accommodations to ensure he or she is aware of these rights.

Our Minneapolis nursing home abuse lawyers may be able to help you pursue compensation if your loved one suffered abuse. We have extensive knowledge of nursing homes residents’ rights.

Schedule a free consultation. Free Case form.

Common Signs of Nursing Home Abuse

Neglect is one of the most common signs of nursing home abuse, but it often goes unreported. This is often because the resident is unable to communicate because of a condition like dementia or Alzheimer’s.

If you have a loved one living at a nursing home, you should learn the signs of abuse and neglect so you can report it:

• Neglect: malnutrition, weight loss, dehydration, sudden weight loss, looking dirty or unkempt, bedsores, wearing inappropriate clothing for the weather, usafe or unclean living conditions
• Emotional abuse – emotional or social withdrawal, or unusual changes in behavior could indicate bullying or verbal abuse by a caregiver
• Financial fraud – unpaid bills and unusual withdrawals from bank accounts when the resident was incapacitated
• Malnutrition– studies have identified many reasons that senior citizens are at risk for malnutrition. Nursing home management can be held accountable if they fail to recognize and respond to problems like:
  • Drug side effects causing nausea or loss of appetite
  • Depression and other mental conditions that can affect eating habits
  • A diet lacking important vitamins and minerals
  • Chewing and swallowing difficulties
  • Chronic conditions causing poor nutrient absorption

  When malnutrition is not treated effectively, the consequences for a person’s health can be severe. A lack of adequate nutrition can:

  • Damage a person’s immune system, increasing the risk of illness and infection
  • Interfere with cognitive functioning
  • Create loss of important fat and muscle tissue
• Physical abuse – fear or uneasiness around caregivers, frequent or serious bruising, broken bones or burns
• Pressure sores – also known as bed sores, these are formed when unconscious or mobility-impaired patients are not shifted into different positions on a regular basis, or when patients’ restraints are not removed or shifted often enough. They can be made worse when a patient sweats or is incontinent.Like burns, bed sores are divided into different stages depending on the depth of the damage done. The stages are:
  • Stage 1: Only the outermost layer of skin is affected. At this stage, the sore is only a red patch that does not turn white when pressure is applied.
  • Stage 2: The epidermis and possibly the dermis are damaged. The sore may become a painful blister or lesion.
  • Stage 3: The damage extends through all layers of skin. This makes it difficult for the pressure ulcer to heal, increasing the chances of infection
  • Stage 4: Muscle, tendon, and sometimes even bone tissue is affected. This stage is very painful and has a high risk for infection, blood sepsis, and other severe complications.
• Psychological abuse– can take many forms, some of which are easier to recognize than others. Some of the more common examples of psychological abuse include:
  • Forced Isolation
  • Degradation or Humiliation
  • Verbal Abuse

  The consequences of emotional abuse are not always as visible as the problems caused by physical abuse, but that does not make them any less severe. A nursing home resident who has repeatedly been subjected to emotional abuse may show:

  • Depression (hopelessness, crying spells, loss of interest in former hobbies)
  • Social withdrawal
  • Anger, fear, or other signs of agitation

  Over time, these symptoms can take a serious toll on the person’s mental and physical well-being.

• Overmedication– as a group, Americans over the age of 65 take a surprising array of prescription medications. Although they only compose about 13% of our country’s population, they take a third of the drugs prescribed every year. Many of them take more than one prescription drug simultaneously, increasing the risk of drug interaction and side effects. Over-medicating and under-medicating patients can each have serious effects on their health and quality of life. Depending on the drug, as well as the individual patient’s overall health, potential consequences of overmedicating can include:
  • Difficulty thinking clearly or communicating their thoughts
  • Liver damage
  • Trips and falls
  • Discomfort
  • Increased risk of addiction (especially with painkillers and sedatives)

  The consequences of under-medicating a problem, on the other hand, can include:

  • Unnecessary pain
  • Organ damage
  • Spread of preventable infections
• Sexual abuse – unexplained bruising around the breasts, rectum, or vaginal/genital areas and blood-stained sheets or clothing. If you know of a nursing home resident who has been showing signs of sexual abuse, you should let your local authorities know so that they can conduct an official investigation. Warning signs to look for include:
  • Expression of anger or fear towards nursing home staff
  • Bruises on the chest, thighs, or stomach
  • Signs of pain when sitting or walking
  • Diagnosis of a sexually transmitted disease
  • Sudden social withdrawal, depression, or other signs of distress

  If your loved one has been abused, a Minneapolis nursing home abuse attorney can inform you of the steps you need to take next. Winning compensation will not only help you cover the medical expenses your loved one may need; it can protect future residents by holding negligent nursing home managers responsible for poor training or hiring practices.

Why Nursing Home Negligence Happens

Some of the most common reasons for abuse include:

• Understaffing
• Inadequate training or experience of caregivers – many nursing homes attempt to draw in new clients by boasting about their medical technology, luxurious facilities, or beautiful décor. However, the most important asset a nursing home can have is a well-trained and caring staff. Without this basic resource, high quality amenities barely matter. Nursing home managers have a very important responsibility to make sure that all their workers are prepared for their jobs. Even if they hire people who have previous experience, they still need to train the new employees in the policies of their particular facility. If they do not, even talented workers may find themselves unsure of what to do in unexpected situations.
• Underpaid caregivers
• Poor security to protect residents from outsiders or visitors to the facility
• Individual issues with staff or other caregivers
• Insufficient supervision

TSR Injury Law is standing by to take your call so you can find out if we can help you. (612) TSR-TIME

How Prevalent Is Theft In Nursing Homes?

Unscrupulous nursing home staff members may cheat or steal from residents for a variety of reasons.

• If they are having an ongoing conflict with one resident, for example, they may act out of a misguided need for “revenge.”
• They may also feel that residents’ poor memories or their own low wages somehow justify their actions.
• Sometimes an employee will befriend a rich resident in hopes of talking the resident into giving them large sums of cash.

Of course, none of these are excuses for exploiting innocent patients.

While dishonest nursing home workers cannot blame anyone but themselves for their actions, they are not always the only responsible parties. In many cases, nursing home management had reason to believe there was theft occurring in their facility, but failed to respond adequately. For example, they may have disciplined guilty employees without contacting the police or taking steps to end the theft.

Liability for Nursing Home Negligence or Abuse

The abuser and the facility could both be held liable for abuse or neglect. The facility could be owned by a company or individuals and they may share liability for your loved one’s damages.

Staff members who could be held liable might include nurses, administrators, assistants and therapists, among others.

Outside parties, including vendors, or visitors to the facility could also be perpetrators of abuse.

Schedule a free consultation today to discuss your situation with a Minneapolis nursing home abuse lawyer.

How Do I Report Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect?

If you do not report abuse or neglect when there is evidence (bruises, broken bones, bedsores, etc.) it may be difficult to prove later.

If you suspect your loved one may be a victim of nursing home neglect or abuse, you should report it to the facility immediately.

If it is an emergency or you fear for your loved one’s safety, call 9-1-1 to report it to local law enforcement. When the police get involved, they will file a report that creates a record of the situation.

You can also file a complaint against the facility by contacting the Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center (MAARC) by calling 844-880-1574 or completing an online form.

We encourage you to contact our legal team today. If you have a case, we are ready to fight to protect your loved one’s rights.

Complete our Free Case Evaluation form today.

How Do I Build a Strong Case?

There are some things family members can do to help their attorney build a strong case:

• Keep a journal of your loved one’s injuries, including the date and time you notice the injury, and any other relevant details – does the wound look fresh or is it healing?
• Take pictures of the wounds and bruises and other visible injuries.
• Take notes on what your loved one remembers about the abuse.

Contact a Minneapolis Nursing Home Abuse Attorney

The licensed attorneys at TSR Injury Law are well-versed in laws protecting nursing home residents, and we are dedicated to helping our clients pursue justice and compensation for their mistreatment and injuries.

We encourage you to contact a qualified Minneapolis nursing home abuse attorney today. We welcome the opportunity to review your case, and your initial consultation is free. We take cases on a contingency basis, so we do not get paid unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

Our office in Bloomington is close to several nursing homes, including Brookdale Edina and York Gardens Senior Living.

We are here to help. Call us at (612) TSR-TIME.

When elderly loved ones are put in the care of a nursing home, families expect the facility to provide adequate care that ensures the safety of its residents. Unfortunately, many facility operators fall short of their duty to provide that reasonable standard of care.

If you believe that your loved one has suffered abuse or negligence in a nursing home, you may like to consider contacting a lawyer about your concerns. At TSR Injury Law, we have a team of lawyers that are dedicated to seeking justice on behalf of nursing home abuse victims and a number of our attorneys have been selected within the top five percent in the state by Super Lawyers, including firm partners Charles D. Slane and Rich Ruohonen.

Contact us today for a free, no obligation consultation. We are available 24/7 and there are no upfront fees if we take on your case.

Call (612) TSR-TIME or complete our contact form.

Nursing Home Resident Rights in Minnesota

The rights of nursing home residents are protected by federal and state law. Each state has a specific bill of rights when it comes to nursing home laws. In Minnesota, these rights include, but are not limited to the following:

• The right to maintain their dignity and receive proper, courteous care in a safe environment
• The right to receive private medical care as needed
• The right to choose their own activities and create their own schedules
• The right to receive medical care outside of a nursing home facility
• The right to see their medical records, know in advance of the care and treatment he or she will receive, and refuse any medical care

Nursing home facilities that disregard a resident’s rights and cause him or her harm may be held accountable for abuse. That is why we recommend contacting an experienced Bloomington nursing home abuse attorney at our firm so that we may take the necessary steps in protecting the rights of your loved one. We are available to discuss your situation during a free and confidential consultation.

Types of Nursing Home Abuse and Signs to Look Out For

It is unfortunate that elder abuse is a common occurrence in the U.S. Approximately 1 in 10 adults ages 60 and older have become the victim to one or more forms of elder abuse.

It may be difficult to detect abuse right away however, there are certain signs to look out for. Our Bloomington nursing home abuse attorneys are prepared to handle cases involving a wide variety of abuse, such as:

• Physical abuse – Physical abuse may leave visible cuts and unexplained bruises on a resident from being hit, kicked, slapped or from other types of physical force. A resident may show a submissive persona around the abuser and may isolate themselves from others.
• Emotional abuse – This type of abuse may consist of threats, harassment and intimidation caused by yelling, swearing at your loved one and threatening him or her. A resident who is being emotionally abused may show signs similar to physical abuse, such as isolation and sudden shifts in behavior, as well as being non-communicative or unresponsive.
• Neglect – Neglect occurs when staff members fail to provide quality care to a resident and ignoring a resident’s basic needs like food, water, hygiene and comfort.
• Financial abuse – This form of abuse involves the unlawful and unethical control or access to a resident’s financial accounts. Signs to look out for include unusual banking transactions and uncommon discussions of money between a resident and staff member. Tragically, not all of the risks that residents face are natural consequences of old age or illness; some are posed by the nursing home staff members themselves. In an alarming study published by the American Society on Aging, 25% of interviewed nursing home workers suspected their co-workers of theft.
  

  Turning a Blind Eye to Theft

  Unscrupulous nursing home staff members may cheat or steal from residents for a variety of reasons.

  • If they are having an ongoing conflict with one resident, for example, they may act out of a misguided need for “revenge.”
  • They may also feel that residents’ poor memories or their own low wages somehow justify their actions.
  • Sometimes an employee will befriend a rich resident in hopes of talking the resident into giving them large sums of cash.

  Of course, none of these are excuses for exploiting innocent patients.

  While dishonest nursing home workers cannot blame anyone but themselves for their actions, they are not always the only responsible parties. In many cases, nursing home management had reason to believe there was theft occurring in their facility, but failed to respond adequately. For example, they may have disciplined guilty employees without contacting the police or taking steps to end the theft.

• Sexual abuse – This type of abuse involves any form of forced and nonconsentual sexual contact between a resident and staff member. This may include coerced nudity, unwanted touching, sexual assault, rape, and nude photography.

Other signs of nursing home abuse to keep an eye out for include:

• Unusual behavior
• Trouble sleeping
• Overmedication– it is very important for nursing home staff to be fully informed about general prescription drug information, as well as each patient’s individual needs. Over-medicating and under-medicating patients can each have serious effects on their health and quality of life.
  

  Incorrect Drug Use: Putting Patients’ Health at Risk

  Senior citizens take prescription drugs for a variety of health conditions. The prescription drugs most commonly used in nursing homes treat gastrointestinal problems, cardiovascular problems, and mental health concerns. Any misuse of these drugs can have disastrous results for a patient.

  Depending on the drug, as well as the individual patient’s overall health, potential consequences of overmedicating can include:

  • Difficulty thinking clearly or communicating their thoughts
  • Liver damage
  • Trips and falls
  • Discomfort
  • Increased risk of addiction (especially with painkillers and sedatives)

  The consequences of under-medicating a problem, on the other hand, can include:

  • Unnecessary pain
  • Organ damage
  • Spread of preventable infections

  A Minnesota nursing home negligence lawyer can help if your loved one has suffered painful consequences like these.

• Easily agitated
• Emotional fluctuations
• Poor hygiene– at the very least, a nursing home should provide the following for all patients:
  • Clean clothes and bedding
  • Sleeping and eating quarters free of roaches, mice, and other pests
  • Proper measures to prevent the spread of lice
  • Clean floors clear of clutter, liquid, and other slip and fall hazards
  • Staff well-trained in assisting residents with their personal hygiene

  Unlike isolated cases of abuse or neglect, unhygienic conditions in nursing care are usually a systemic problem. In other words, they are not a case of one or two reckless nursing home workers. Instead, the problem usually lies with the way the home is managed, from hiring new workers to supervising them, to setting cleanliness standards for the facility.
  

• Bed sores or pressure ulcers– are a persistent problem in hospitals and nursing homes and the most common injury suffered by neglected nursing home residents. They can be caused whenever pressure is applied to one part of the body without relief for long periods of time. Heat, humidity, and incontinence all increase the risk of developing bedsores. However, these injuries are usually very easy to prevent.
  

  The Risks of Pressure Ulcers

  Bed sores are formed when unconscious or mobility-impaired patients are not shifted into different positions on a regular basis, or when patients’ restraints are not removed or shifted often enough. They can be made worse when a patient sweats or is incontinent.

  Like burns, bed sores are divided into different stages depending on the depth of the damage done. The stages are:

  • Stage 1: Only the outermost layer of skin is affected. At this stage, the sore is only a red patch that does not turn white when pressure is applied.
  • Stage 2: The epidermis and possibly the dermis are damaged. The sore may become a painful blister or lesion.
  • Stage 3: The damage extends through all layers of skin. This makes it difficult for the pressure ulcer to heal, increasing the chances of infection
  • Stage 4: Muscle, tendon, and sometimes even bone tissue is affected. This stage is very painful and has a high risk for infection, blood sepsis, and other severe complications.
• Unexplained cuts, bruises or marks
• Malnutrition– the can be many reasons that senior citizens are at risk for malnutrition. Nursing home management can be held accountable if they fail to recognize and respond to problems like:
  • Drug side effects causing nausea or loss of appetite
  • Depression and other mental conditions that can affect eating habits
  • A diet lacking important vitamins and minerals
  • Chewing and swallowing difficulties
  • Chronic conditions causing poor nutrient absorption

  When malnutrition is not treated effectively, the consequences for a person’s health can be severe. A lack of adequate nutrition can:

  • Damage a person’s immune system, increasing the risk of illness and infection
  • Interfere with cognitive functioning
  • Create loss of important fat and muscle tissue

  The medical care needed to address these health problems can be costly.

• Infections
• Stained or bloody clothing
• Changes in weight
• Dehydration

Any form of abuse can drastically damage a person’s health and well-being. Reach out to our firm to review your situation and discuss your legal options. There is no risk in calling us.

Call us now at (612) TSR-TIME to set up your free consultation.

The Importance of Effective Training

Many nursing homes attempt to draw in new clients by boasting about their medical technology, luxurious facilities, or beautiful décor. However, the most important asset a nursing home can have is a well-trained and caring staff. Without this basic resource, high quality amenities barely matter.

Nursing home managers have a very important responsibility to make sure that all their workers are prepared for their jobs. Even if they hire people who have previous experience, they still need to train the new employees in the policies of their particular facility. If they do not, even talented workers may find themselves unsure of what to do in unexpected situations.

Contact TSR Injury Law today if your loved one has been injured because workers were not trained to:

• Recognize and respond to abuse or fraud
• Follow correct procedures in an emergency
• Provide adequate nutrition and hygiene for residents
• Work with residents who have special needs
• Prevent medication errors

With the assistance of a qualified attorney, you and your loved one could receive compensation for your medical expenses and pain and suffering.

How Can a Lawyer from TSR Injury Law Help?

If your loved one has suffered from nursing home abuse, it is important to notify the proper authorities and then contact an attorney as soon as possible to discuss and determine if you are eligible to take legal action.

If you have a case and decide to proceed with our firm, we will work to prepare a strong argument for your damages claim, which may include conducting a detailed investigation of the facility, it’s staff and other areas that may benefit the case, which may include collecting medical reports, photographic evidence, witness accounts, and communicating with the nurses, staff members and caregivers.

Once enough evidence is collected, we will determine the value of damages and fight to obtain it. Depending on the specifics of your case, we may be able to help you recover the following forms of compensation: economic and non-economic damages.

Economic damages are quantifiable damages, such as hospital bills, doctor’s visits, emergency services, prescription medications, assistive medical equipment and other medical expenses. Non-economic damages on the other hand do not have a specified dollar amount, such as physical pain and suffering caused by the abuse and emotional distress experienced after the abuse.

Our Bloomington nursing home abuse lawyers are also prepared to go to trial and represent your loved one throughout every step of the legal process. Building a strong nursing home abuse case is difficult, but our legal team has the experience, knowledge and the dedication to help.

Holding Negligent Nursing Homes Accountable

When a resident experiences abuse or neglect, the nursing home facility may be held liable for the following reasons:

• Negligent hiring – It is important that the nursing home takes proper measures in ensuring that the people they hire are descent and reliable. Failing to run a thorough background check can lead to hiring an abusive or negligent person.
• Understaffing – Not having adequate staff to look after each patient’s needs can lead to neglect and abuse. Staff may be overworked which could potentially lead to bigger issues such as medication errors.
• Inadequate training – Many residents require special care, especially if they have certain mobility restrictions. It is important that the facility properly train its staff to care for these patients and ensure the safety of each resident.

The nursing home facility is required to maintain a safe space. If abuse or neglect is taking place, the supervisor should be aware of it and make proper decisions to report and put an end to the abuse.

Where Can I Report Nursing Home Abuse in Minnesota?

If you suspect that your loved one is a victim of abuse, you may be concerned about his or her well-being and how to get them out of the situation. There are certain steps you can take to begin the process in protecting your loved one.

Speak With Members of the Facility

You can speak to the facility administrator directly and discuss your concerns. It may be possible that the administrator is not aware of the abuse and they can take measures to prevent further abuse.

Contact the Area Ombudsman

This is an advocacy agency that investigates complaints, such as nursing home abuse. The Office of Ombudsman for Older Minnesotans can be reached by calling one of two numbers listed on the site.

File an Official Complaint

Contact the Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center to make an official compliant. The center is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

It may be difficult knowing what to do in this situation. At TSR Injury Law, we can handle these steps on your behalf and ensure that this matter is taken seriously for the sake of your loved one’s health.

Fill out a Free Case Evaluation form to get started.

Schedule Your Free Consultation Today

It’s important for nursing home abuse victims and their families to understand that residents have rights and that help is available.

Schedule your free and confidential consultation with one of our lawyers today. There are no upfront fees or costs if we agree to handle your case and we only get paid if we recover compensation on your behalf.

Our office is located less than 15 minutes from the Minnesota Masonic Home, a nursing home in Bloomington with nearly a century of service.

We are available 24/7 to take your call or chat online. Ph: (612) TSR-TIME.