The staff and administrators at long-term care facilities have an obligation to provide a certain duty of care for their residents. When they breach this, they are liable for any injuries or deaths that occur. This is known as nursing home liability, and it is the basis of any valid lawsuit that involves nursing home abuse.

What Is a Nursing Home’s Duty of Care?

The duty of care refers to a nursing home’s responsibility to provide reasonable care for its residents. This includes providing adequate medical care, comfortable and sanitary conditions, and nutritious food on a consistent basis.

When Does Nursing Home Liability Come Into Play?

Injuries, illness, and even death are common in nursing homes, and, in most cases, the nursing home is not liable; however, in some cases, they may be. 

Intent does not matter when it comes to breaching this duty of care, and neglect is a form of abuse. For example, if the nursing home is understaffed and the residents who need assistance eating do not get the attention they deserve and end up malnourished as a result, they are victims of abuse.  

Ultimately, nursing home staff must take reasonable measures to ensure their residents live in a safe environment. That means assisting individuals who have limited mobility, securing handrails to prevent slip and falls, and providing immediate and adequate medical attention when accidents do occur.

If you think your loved one has been the victim of abuse and you want to discuss your family’s options with an elder abuse attorney, turn to Reed Law Offices in Omaha, NE. Visit the firm’s website to learn more about their experience in elder abuse, and call (402) 933-0588 to schedule an initial consultation to discuss your nursing home liability case today.