At
the law firm of Wolske & Associates attorneys have represented
hundreds of individuals who have been seriously harmed by the
negligent care of nursing home professionals. Our lawyers work to ensure that
victims of abuse or negligence receive full and fair
compensation for their injuries.
Nearly 2.2 million Americans live in the
nation's 17,000 nursing homes and assisted living centers. This
number is estimated to climb to more than six million by the
year 2030. Unfortunately, one out of four nursing homes in the
United States are cited each year for causing serious injury or
death to residents. Nearly 60% of the country's nursing homes
are not in substantial compliance with federal and state
regulations regarding quality of care. The personal injury firm of Wolske & Associates
is dedicated to protecting the well being of individuals
residing in nursing homes in Ohio, as well as, Kentucky. Our lawyers have recovered numerous settlements on behalf
of people whose lives have been detrimentally affected by the
poor living conditions endemic to many continuing-care
facilities.
Under Ohio Revised Code 3721.13, residents in a
licensed long-term care facility are entitled to several rights
involving quality of care. Among other rights, nursing home
residents can expect to live in a safe and clean environment; to
be free from physical, verbal or mental abuse; to receive
adequate and appropriate medical treatment; and to be free from
chemical or physical restraints or prolonged isolation. If one
of your family members has had his or her rights violated by a
rest home in Ohio or Kentucky, our law firm may be able to file a civil
lawsuit against the operators of the facility in order to
recover monetary damages on behalf of your loved one.
The most common injuries to nursing home
residents related to abuse or poor quality of care include
decubitus ulcers or pressure sores, malnutrition and
dehydration, falls, elopement and medication errors.
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Decubitus Ulcers
Decubitus ulcers are areas of the skin that
break down because of prolonged pressure. The most common areas
for pressure sores to form are on the bony areas such as the
coccyx, buttocks and heels. Decubitus ulcers can lead to serious
health problems, including infection, sepsis and even gangrene.
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Weight Loss
Between 13 and 15% of long term care residents
experience dramatic weight loss while residing in nursing homes
and other extended care facilities. Substantial weight loss is
often associated with depression, side effects of medication,
food quality, lack of assistance with eating, and inappropriate
diet. If you know someone who lives in a convalescent home and is exhibiting signs of neglect, the lawyers at Wolske & Associates can
determine whether those responsible for his or her care may be
held liable for damages in a court of law.
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Falls
In addition to pressure sores and weight loss,
nursing home residents are also prone to falls. Whether the
result of abuse, neglect, or other causes, more than 750,000
long-term care residents fell at least once over the past two
years. 20% of the falls led to serious injury, the most common
of which were hip fractures.
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Elopement
Nursing home residents with Alzheimer's,
dementia or other forms of cognitive disability may also have
problems with elopement or escape. An elopement occurs when a
resident exits an extended care facility without the knowledge
or supervision of the staff. Residents who elope are exposed to
potential harm from the elements or from hazards such as open
bodies of water and busy roads.
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Medication Errors
Finally, nearly 20,000 long-term care residents
face fatal or life threatening drug errors each year.
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Wolske & Associates
are committed to seeing that the right of senior citizens to
receive quality professional care is neither violated nor
disregarded. Our lawyers work to improve the lives of the elderly in long-term
care facilities by holding accountable the individuals
responsible for harming them.
Our law firm also help individuals who have suffered a traumatic
brain injury in a
nursing home. We can determine whether abuse or negligent care
was the cause of the injury, and whether those responsible may
be liable for damages.
If you believe that one of your loved ones
residing in an assisted-living facility has been significantly
harmed by inadequate care,
contact the law offices of Wolske & Associates. Our
attorneys possess the experience, dedication, and legal
expertise required to hold perpetrators of negligence
responsible for their actions.
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