There are many different types of assisted living facilities in Long Island, each with its own rules and regulations. However, there are some general standards that all of these facilities must meet in order to ensure the safety of their residents, but not all assisted living facilities live up to these standards, meaning their negligence can lead to serious injuries or even death.
Negligence in assisted living facilities can have disastrous consequences. If your loved one has been the victim of negligence in an assisted living facility, it is important to contact a Long Island assisted living negligence lawyer like those at Dalli & Marino, LLP as soon as possible. We can help you review the facts of your case and determine if you have a claim against the facility.
What Constitutes Negligence In an Assisted Living Facility?
Negligence is the failure of a person or entity to take reasonable care to avoid causing injury or damage. In the context of an assisted living facility, negligence can take many different forms. Some common examples include:
- Failing to properly screen or monitor employees: Assisted living facilities have a duty to carefully screen all employees before hiring them. This includes running background checks and making sure that they are properly trained to work with the elderly.
- Failing to provide adequate supervision: Residents of assisted living facilities need to be closely monitored to ensure that they are taking their medications properly, eating enough food, and not engaging in any dangerous activities.
- Failing to maintain a safe and clean environment: Assisted living facilities must take reasonable steps to keep their premises safe and clean. This includes ensuring that there are no trip hazards and providing adequate lighting.
If your loved one has been injured due to any of these forms of negligence, you may have a claim against the assisted living facility. In order to successfully argue a claim, your negligence attorney will need to prove that the facility breached its duty of care and that this breach resulted in your loved one’s injuries.
Warning Signs of Assisted Living Facility Negligence
Unfortunately, warning signs of negligence in assisted living facilities are often overlooked or ignored. If you have a loved one in an assisted living facility, it is important to be on the lookout for signs that something might be wrong, such as:
- Sudden weight loss: This can be a sign that your loved one is not getting enough to eat or that they are not taking their medications properly.
- Bruises or other injuries: If your loved one has unexplained bruises or other injuries, this may be a sign of abuse or neglect.
- Changes in behavior: If your loved one suddenly becomes withdrawn, fearful, or depressed, this may be a sign that they are not being properly cared for.
If you notice any of these warning signs, it is important to speak with an assisted living negligence lawyer. Your negligence lawyer can help you investigate the situation and determine if your loved one has been the victim of negligence.
What Are the Consequences of Assisted Living Facility Negligence?
The consequences of assisted living facility negligence can be devastating for victims and their families. Injuries suffered by residents can range from minor cuts and bruises to serious broken bones, malnutrition, and even death.
In addition to the physical pain and suffering that these injuries can cause, they can also lead to significant financial burdens. Medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and long-term care expenses can quickly add up, leaving families struggling to make ends meet.
The consequences for the facility engaging in negligent behavior can be quite severe. In addition to facing a lawsuit, the facility could be fined or even shut down if its negligence is found to be egregious. In some extreme cases, administrators or employees of the facility may be subject to criminal charges.
How Can I Prove an Assisted Living Facility Was Negligent?
The burden of proof for negligence requires you to prove that the administrators and employees of the facility breached its duty of care and that this breach resulted in your loved one’s injuries. In order to do this, your negligence attorney will need to gather evidence to support your claim. This may include:
- Medical records: These will document your loved one’s injuries and treatment.
- Eyewitness statements or video footage: If there are any witnesses who saw what happened, their statements can be very helpful in proving your case. If the facility has security cameras, the footage may show what happened.
- Employee records: These can help to prove whether or not the employees were properly screened and trained.
If you are able to successfully prove that the assisted living facility was negligent, you may be able to recover damages for your loved one’s injuries. These may include medical costs, pain and suffering, or wrongful death.
Time is of the essence in cases of senior citizen negligence. If you believe that your loved one has been the victim of assisted living facility negligence, contact Dalli & Marino, LLP so we can help you and your family get the compensation you may deserve.
Find Help From an Experienced Long Island Assisted Living Negligence Attorney
If you believe that your loved one has been the victim of assisted living facility negligence, it is important to seek legal help as soon as possible. The consequences of these cases can be severe, and you need an experienced negligence attorney on your side who can help you get the compensation your loved one deserves.
At Dalli & Marino, LLP, our skilled and Spanish-speaking legal team has significant experience handling cases of assisted living facility negligence. We will thoroughly review your case and help you understand your legal options. If we believe you have a claim, we will aggressively fight for the compensation you are entitled to. Contact us online or call (888) 465-8790 today to schedule a free consultation.
