Tennessee Nursing Home Injuries
According to the Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability, only 1 in every 23 cases of elder abuse gets reported to the authorities. Residents of nursing homes and other assisted living facilities have laws that protect them from abuse and neglect – but victims are often unable or too afraid to speak out on their own behalf. Even more tragic is a recent study that revealed only 2% of elder abuse cases are reported by doctors, despite a clear legal obligation to report any suspected abuse.
The attorneys at Terry, Terry & Stapleton believe that nursing home residents have a right to expect quality, decent care – and that abuse and neglect cannot be ignored. If you suspect your loved one has been a victim, contact us today. We have helped many clients in our communities, including Morristown, Knoxville, Knox County, Rogersville, Hamblen County, Greeneville, Jefferson City, Newport, Johnson City and Kingsport.
Abuse and neglect in nursing homes is a nationwide epidemic. A September 2008 study by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services found that more than 90 percent of nursing homes were cited for violations of federal health and safety standards in 2007 -- and for-profit homes were more likely to have problems than other types of nursing homes. About 20% of the complaints verified by federal and state authorities involved the abuse or neglect of patients.
Nursing home abuse and neglect may include:
- Physical abuse – including sexual abuse.
- Misuse of restraints that falls outside of accepted medical practice – including use of physical restraints or sedating medicines to control a "difficult" patient.
- Verbal or emotional abuse.
- Physical neglect – disregard for the necessities of daily living and basic care, including bedsores.
- Medical neglect – failing to provide medical care or failing to contact a physician.
- Verbal or emotional neglect – disregarding patient wishes and restricting contact with family and friends.
- Personal property abuse.
Tennessee law requires that any nursing home or assisted living facility post a listing of patient rights and provide the list to patients. In general, these rights should include:
- Respect – the right to be treated with dignity and respect.
- Services and Fees – patients must be informed in writing about services and fees before entering the nursing home.
- Money – patients have the right to manage their own money or to designate someone of their own choosing to handle the task.
- Privacy – patients have the right to privacy and the right to keep and use personal belongings and property as long as they don't interfere with the health or safety of others.
- Medical Care – patients have the right to be informed about medical conditions and medications, and the right to see their own doctor. Patients also have the right to refuse medications and treatments.
If you suspect an instance of nursing home abuse or neglect, there are several agencies you can contact fro help.
- The Tennessee Board of Nursing Home Administrators at 1-800-778-4123
- Tennessee Adult Protective Services at 1-888-APS-TENN
- Tennessee Ombudsman at 1-800-264-0904
With a family tradition of legal service since 1960, the Morristown, Tennessee nursing home injury attorneys of Terry, Terry & Stapleton are committed to protecting the rights of those who cannot protect themselves. We know Tennessee nursing home laws and we understand how to hold negligent institutions responsible for harm to your loved ones. If you need legal assistance with a nursing home neglect or abuse claim, or to schedule an evaluation of your case, contact us by calling 1-800-518-3779.
