Nursing Home Abuse in Detroit, MI
What Is Nursing Home Abuse?
Did you or a loved one suffer abuse in Detroit, Michigan? There are federal and state laws designed to protect nursing home patients. A nursing home should be a long-term care facility where patients can live comfortably with the care they need. However, there is still the risk of nursing home abuse or neglect. Thankfully, laws protect the rights of the abused, and competent Detroit nursing home abuse attorneys can help.
Federal Laws Protecting Against Nursing Home Abuse
Nursing Home Reform Act (1987)
The Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987 created a stringent set of protocols for Detroit, Michigan nursing home facilities to maintain. This law was passed after a study conducted by the Institute of Medicine determined that there was rampant elderly abuse and neglect in nursing homes. Under this law, Detroit facilities must:
- Document and assess residents’ health status and individual needs.
- Create a written strategic plan for each resident.
- Assist residents in maintaining an active lifestyle.
- Keep accurate health records for each resident.
- Maintain the correct number of staff required to adequately care for patients and avoid neglect.
- Provide proper hygiene and nutrition.
- Maintain adequate supervision and implement devices to prevent falls and other injuries.
Nursing Home Residents’ Bill of Rights
Part of the Nursing Home Reform Act implemented a Bill of Rights for nursing home residents. This creates an outline of the benefits entitled to you or a loved one in a quality Detroit, MI nursing home and includes items such as:
- Privacy and discretion with health-related issues
- Ability to make their own decisions (if mentally sound)
- Ability to voice issues or complaints without fear of retribution or harassment
- Sufficient health care and treatment from nursing home staff
Elder Justice Act
The Elder Justice Act went into effect in 2010 to fight against elder abuse and neglect. This act mandates that the nursing home staff must report possible incidents of elder abuse and neglect. The Elder Justice Act created the following applicable provisions:
- Employee Background Check Database – Gives nursing homes the right to be more selective in their hiring process. The goal is to prevent abuse by screening potential employees for past incidents.
- 60-Day Closure Window – Nursing homes cannot close without first notifying their home state and the Secretary of Health and Human Services. The staff must also relocate all residents to proper nursing homes.
- Elder Justice Coordinating Council – This coalition meets twice annually to discuss new methods of deterring elder abuse and neglect. The Council also drafts reports with recommendations to Congress on how to improve safeguards for the elderly.
State Laws Protecting Against Elder Abuse and Neglect
Each state has its own laws pertaining to this matter. While states rely on the guidance of the federal laws mentioned above, it is entirely within a state’s rights to pass additional protective laws for elder abuse and neglect. States with a higher percentage of nursing home residents typically have more laws than those without.
According to the Wayne County Elder Abuse Unit, you should call Citizens for Better Care at 313-833-9548 to report suspected nursing home abuse in Detroit. In addition, you can call the Vulnerable Adult Abuse Hotline at 1-800-996-6228 to report suspected vulnerable adult abuse. The Attorney General of Michigan recommends watching for signs of financial abuse in addition to mental or physical abuse. Some of these include changes in spending habits, missing household items, or changes in will or property documents.
Can You File a Lawsuit In Detroit, Michigan For Nursing Home Abuse?
Yes, you can and should seek maximum compensation. Victims of nursing home abuse or neglect (or their power of attorney) can file a lawsuit in civil and criminal court depending on the nature of the abuse. It is possible to reach a settlement and receive financial compensation before filing a lawsuit. However, if there is an argument about fair compensation or who bears responsibility, a lawsuit may become necessary.
Michigan recently announced the Elder Abuse Task Force, comprising more than 30 agencies dedicated to protecting seniors in Detroit and across the state. In addition, Michigan’s Public Health Code prohibits Detroit nursing homes from prescribing medical treatment to a resident. Instead, the patient’s physician has the authority to prescribe a course of treatment. Additionally, a nursing home must post the name and contact information of the individual responsible for receiving complaints. Furthermore, an individual responsible for receiving complaints must be on duty and onsite not less than 24 hours per day, 7 days a week.
How Can You Receive Compensation Through a Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuit?
Victims of nursing home abuse or neglect in Detroit can pursue compensation through a civil lawsuit, and multiple ways exist for victims to receive compensation:
- Verdict – In this case, a trial jury hears case evidence and determines whether the defendant (nursing home/nursing home staff) is at fault. If they find the nursing home liable, the jury decides how much compensation to tender to you or your family as the plaintiff.
- Settlement – A lawyer helps you avoid costly settlement mistakes. This settlement phase is when both parties agree on a compensation amount without a jury weighing in. All parties sign a legally binding document that often prevents further legal action. If the plaintiff signs this document, it ends a trial if one has started or can prevent one if it has not.
- Restitution – For criminal cases, victims will likely receive compensation through restitution. This is a way for the guilty party to make up for the harm caused through financial compensation.
The compensation awarded via a nursing home abuse or neglect lawsuit can help pay victims’ medical bills, physical therapy, mental health therapy, costs for relocating to a new nursing home, and overall pain and suffering.
Civil and Criminal Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuits
Civil court handles most nursing home abuse cases. However, there are times when victims can file both kinds of cases. For example, if a nursing home staff member pushes a victim who falls over and breaks a bone, that worker can be criminally liable. Later, they may face a suit in civil court for the same thing.
Depending on the type of abuse, a variety of courts could hear your case in Detroit. For example, intentional physical abuse is a felony and would come before the Third Judicial Circuit Court of Michigan. In addition, the Wayne County District Court can hear civil cases with claims up to $25,000.
What Types of Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuits Exist?
Most Detroit, MI nursing home abuse lawsuits fall under two major categories: tort and breach of contract. Out of these two, tort lawsuits are the most common because victims seek compensation for direct harm whereas a breach of contract lawsuit often carries more limited compensation amounts.
Tort Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuits
Tort lawsuits are when the victim seeks compensation for pain and suffering caused at the hands of the nursing home. There are multiple types of tort lawsuits that correspond with the different types of crimes:
- Abuse – Victims are intentionally harmed; this could lead to severe bodily injury.
- Medical malpractice – The nursing home health care professionals acted outside the standard procedures of their position, and their mistreatment led to the injury.
- Neglect – When the nursing home fails its duty to adequately care for a patient. Neglect specifically deals with nursing home staff being lazy, careless, or indifferent to patient care.
- Wrongful death – If a patient dies from a nursing home’s negligence, medical malpractice, or purposeful abuse, the surviving family can sue the nursing home.
Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer In Detroit, Michigan.
If you plan to file a lawsuit against your nursing home for abuse or neglect, seek the assistance of a qualified Detroit attorney specializing in the rights of senior citizens. Nursing home abuse attorneys can help you collect the necessary information required, locate corroborating witnesses, draft the lawsuit, and move to trial if required.
Are you looking for an experienced Detroit nursing home abuse attorney to help your family? We can even help you connect with an attorney across Michigan state lines.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!
