For many Kentucky families, placing a loved one in a nursing home can be an difficult decision to make. Nursing facilities were designed to provide extensive daily care for those who are unable to live independently or care for themselves. However, when nursing staff fail to carry out daily tasks and duties, patients can suffer consequences that often lead to injury and even death. Nursing negligence is a form of medical malpractice and the families of those who have been neglected may be able to take legal action.
A nursing facility in another state recently made headlines over allegations of abuse and neglect from nursing staff. Reportedly, the facility has been fined in the past for alleged verbal and physical abuse of residents. However, according to recent allegations, an 87 year-old patient at the facility died after tests indicated that the woman was severely dehydrated.
Investigative reports said that the woman was often in severe pain and moaning in the days preceding her death. Allegedly, when informed of the woman’s condition, one nurse disregarded the concerns. Reports say that the woman was transported to a hospital after staffers were unable to get a pulse or blood pressure reading.
While at the hospital, it was allegedly discovered that the woman had not consumed any fluids for four to five days prior to her arrival and may have only had very limited fluids for weeks, according to reports. After receiving one full liter of water, the woman become awake and alert, reports say. Tragically, the woman died one day after being taken back to the nursing facility.
Since nursing staff at these extended care facilities are so involved in daily patient care, any mistakes are magnified and will directly affect the lives of patients. Kentucky families who have been affected by any form of medical malpractice should know that they have legal options at their disposal. A successful lawsuit could result in a substantial monetary award as well as a sense of justice.