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Nursing Home Neglect and Injuries

Experienced Seattle Law Firm Seeks Justice for Victims of Nursing Home Neglect & Injury

The decision to place a loved one in a nursing home or assisted living facility is never easy. Nursing homes serve the most vulnerable populations, and accordingly must exercise the highest degree of care and planning to ensure those residents are properly protected.

Though the care and facility management is regulated by the State, and inspections occur, some nursing homes score higher in cleanliness and care than others. When it is your loved one that has been injured or neglected, the pain and fear you will feel may be overwhelming. To minimize this risk, it is important to carefully research any facility you are considering for the care of a loved one.

A good place to start is to check if the facility has been the subject of Investigations or Enforcement Actions by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). DSHS offers a free online search tool that allows users to search for official reports regarding any licensed facility in Washington State. The database can be accessed here: https://fortress.wa.gov/dshs/adsaapps/lookup/NHPubLookup.aspx

A facility that has been repeatedly investigated and cited for similar violations should be treated with caution, as this may be indicative of a pattern of negligent care for residents.

Even nursing homes and care facilities that have few, if any, citations may still be responsible for the neglect, harm or abuse of your loved one.

If you are concerned that your loved one has suffered injury or death due to neglect or misconduct at the facility, we encourage you to speak with an attorney. Washington State’s Abuse of Vulnerable Adults Act contains stringent protections for vulnerable adults from all forms of abuse, neglect, and exploitation, be it physical, emotional, or financial.

Attorney Duncan Turner is well-versed in litigation against nursing homes and care facilities involving claims of this nature, and will listen to and discuss any concern you have regarding a possible case. If you are concerned that your loved one has suffered injury or death due to neglect or misconduct at the facility, we encourage you to speak with an attorney. Washington State’s Abuse of Vulnerable Adults Act contains stringent protections for vulnerable adults from all forms of abuse, neglect, and exploitation, be it physical, emotional, or financial.

REGARDING THE COVID-19 “CORONAVIRUS” OUTBREAK IN WASHINGTON STATE

The early 2020 news cycle has been dominated by stories about the coronavirus. These stories are understandably highly alarming for everyone, especially those with loved ones in care facilities, as it appears that seniors with underlying medical conditions are highly vulnerable to the coronavirus. The first outbreak reported by news organizations in the United States occurred in a Kirkwood, Washington nursing home.

Care facilities must take reasonable steps to both vigilantly protect from and prevent an outbreak, as well as reasonably react to any such illness contracted by a resident. These steps must include fact-based communications with the family members of residents. If you are concerned that a care facility is not taking the necessary steps in the face of this emergent health concern, please contact our firm. We would be happy to discuss your matter with you.

Call us for a free consultation, or click here to give us your contact information. We will respond in a timely manner.

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ELDER ABUSE

The following are indications of neglect, abuse, or financial exploitation:

• Lack of cleanliness of facility or of the vulnerable adult
• Unpleasant odors including the smell of urine or feces
• Improper, untimely, or erroneous medications
• Isolation
• Bed sores
• Improper or insufficient nourishment
• Bruises or other indicators of physical abuse
• Mental abuse (hostile and or indifferent conduct)
• Sexual abuse
• Failure to provide a safe environment
• Physical injury
• Misappropriation of funds or property

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THE FIRM

Badgley Mullins Turner, PLLC, is Pre-eminent (highest) rated by Martindale Hubbell for legal ethics and ability, given to only 4% of the nation's law firms.

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