Negligent Hiring Can Lead to Abuse of Nursing Home Residents

 Posted on April 06, 2022 in Nursing Home Abuse

Nursing homes should be places of safety and refuge for elderly and disabled people. Sadly, many nursing homes do not live up to these standards. Many different issues can lead to nursing home neglect and abuse. Negligent hiring policies, insufficient vetting of applicants, and insufficient training are three serious issues that increase the chances of a nursing home employee harming a resident.

Substandard Hiring Practices Can Lead to Abuse of Nursing Home Residents

Nursing home employees have the important job of caring for our loved ones when they can no longer care for themselves. Residents in a nursing home are often frail and in ill health. Many suffer from Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and other cognitive diseases. Residents may not always be able to advocate for themselves and this puts them in a very vulnerable position. Consequently, the need for responsible, competent, compassionate staff can hardly be overstated.

Some nursing homes cut corners when hiring and training staff. They fail to perform a criminal background check or overlook red flags that could make a staff member more likely to abuse a resident. Nursing homes may also fail to perform drug tests or follow through with personal and professional references. These types of mistakes can lead to unqualified or even malicious staff working around vulnerable nursing home residents.

Holding a Nursing Home Accountable for Abuse or Neglect

Abuse or neglect of a nursing home resident can lead to physical and psychological suffering. Sometimes, nursing home abuse or neglect is fatal. If your loved one was subjected to physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, or other types of mistreatment at a nursing home, it is important to take action. A nursing home negligence claim may allow you to hold the at-fault parties accountable for your loved one’s suffering. You may also be entitled to monetary compensation for damages including additional medical bills, funeral and burial expenses, and more.

Contact a Chicago Nursing Home Negligence Lawyer

Nursing homes should carefully vet employees and ensure that they are fit to care for residents properly. Negligent hiring and training practices can lead to unqualified staff who intentionally or unintentionally harm residents. 

If your loved one was the victim of nursing home neglect or abuse, contact Schwartz Injury Law right away. We can evaluate the circumstances of your loved one’s injury or death and explore your legal options with you. Our Cook County nursing home abuse attorneys are committed to protecting the rights of nursing home residents and holding negligent facilities responsible for the harm they cause victims and their families. Call 312-535-4625 for a consultation.

Source:

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs5.asp?ActID=1225&ChapterID=21