Proving Abuse in Nursing Homes & Filing A Michigan Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuit
February 03rd 2012 by Daniel Buckfire
According to the Detroit Free Press, the state issues thousands of violations against nursing homes each year, but the number of documented cases of abuse is much smaller. Nursing home patients do not always receive the appropriate care and the results can be severe and often deadly. Our Michigan nursing home neglect lawyers represent nursing home residents and their families in lawsuits pertaining to these circumstances. There are strict laws and regulations to protect the safety and welfare of these residents.
Families place a tremendous amount of trust in the facility and its staff to care for their loved one. When a patient is injured or dies from improper treatment and neglect, that person or his or her family should explore taking action against that facility. Neglect and abuse is frequently not reported.
Michigan Nursing Homes Where Serious Abuse To Patients Has Taken Place
In an article printed in the Detroit Free Press titled “Neglect common, but state seldom cites outright abuse,” by Robin Erb and Kristi Tanner, Michigan nursing homes where cases in which serious violations were found include:
- North Ottawa Care Center; Ottawa County, MI : cited for keeping a nurse’s aide despite allegations of physical abuse to patients
- Laurels of Mt. Pleasant; Mt. Pleasant, MI: cited for failing to prevent repeated violence against residents by a 69-year-old fellow resident
- Tendercare of Portage; Kalamazoo, MI: cited for a nurse’s aide who pinched and slapped a resident who sued a racial slur while resisting to go to bed.
Why Most Injuries And Abuse Are Never Reported In Michigan Nursing Homes?
There are many reasons why reports of abuse and neglect in a Michigan nursing home are never reported. Some of these reasons include:
- Residents don’t know they are victims of nursing home malpractice.
- No recollection that the abuse took place (i.e. dementia, failing memories).
- No witnesses to report that abuse or neglect took place.
- Records falsified or altered.
- The incident has been covered up.
- The resident suffered no significant damages.
- The injured resident and/or family members of the injured resident are afraid to take action.
- The plaintiff has not retained an experienced attorney.
- The statute of limitations has expired.
When Can You Sue a Michigan Nursing Home for Neglect?
Nursing home neglect and abuse cases are considered medical malpractice cases. In order to sue for a nursing home neglect case in Michigan, you must be able to prove a care provider or facility was negligent, and their negligence lead directly to your injury. The process is very complex and requires an experienced Michigan nursing home neglect lawyer.
Is There a Time Limit To Sue a Michigan Nursing Home For Neglect?
The statute of limitations for nursing home abuse varies from state to state. There are strict limitations for filing a nursing home abuse lawsuit. If you miss a deadline, your claim will be lost forever. To avoid these severe consequences, you should contact an attorney immediately to discuss your case.
Michigan Nursing Home Neglect Lawyers No Fee Promise
We will sue a nursing home in Michigan for your neglect or abuse case under our NO FEE PROMISE. This means that you will not be charged any legal fees whatsoever unless we obtain a settlement or recovery for you. You have absolutely no obligation for legal fees unless we win your case. If we do not obtain a settlement for you, you owe us nothing!
Contact Your Michigan Nursing Home Neglect Lawyer Today
Individuals who want to sue a Michigan Nursing Home should contact the Michigan nursing home abuse and neglect firm of Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C. Call us now at (800) 606-1717 to speak with one of our experienced Michigan personal injury lawyers about your case.
