Abandonment in a Portland Nursing Facility
Medical providers and facilities, including nursing homes in and around Portland, owe a duty of care to their residents. The duty of care is heightened because it involves medical treatment in a residential facility. Unfortunately, there are various ways that nursing homes and staff members can abandon patients. This is not always obvious. In fact, the signs and symptoms of abandonment may not be readily obvious to those looking in from the outside. If a loved one is impacted by abandonment, contact our Portland nursing home abuse attorney as soon as possible for assistance.
Understanding Patient Abandonment in the Medical Field
Patient abandonment in the medical field occurs when a healthcare provider terminates the doctor-patient relationship without providing reasonable notice or suitable replacement, leaving the patient without necessary medical care.
This can happen in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, stand-alone ERs, clinics, and private practices. For example, a doctor abruptly stopping treatment without providing a referral to another physician or sufficient notice can constitute abandonment. This neglect can lead to significant harm, especially for patients with ongoing medical needs.
How Abandonment Occurs in Nursing Homes
Abandonment in nursing homes is a serious issue that can have severe consequences for residents. It involves the failure of nursing home staff to provide the necessary care and attention that residents require. Here are some ways that abandonment can occur in a nursing home setting:
- Failure to assist with daily activities. Nursing home residents often need assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, eating, and restroom use. Abandonment occurs when staff neglect to provide this essential assistance, leaving residents to fend for themselves.
- Neglecting medical needs. Residents in nursing homes frequently require regular medical care, including medication administration, wound care, and monitoring of chronic conditions. Abandonment can occur when staff fail to provide these necessary medical services, putting residents’ health at risk.
- Ignoring call lights and requests for help. Many residents rely on call lights or other systems to request help from staff. When staff ignore these requests or fail to respond promptly, it can lead to feelings of isolation and neglect.
- Lack of supervision. Proper supervision is crucial in preventing falls, injuries, and other accidents in nursing homes. Abandonment can occur when staff fail to adequately supervise residents, leading to preventable harm.
- Emotional neglect. Abandonment is not limited to physical neglect. Emotional neglect, such as failing to provide companionship or ignoring residents’ emotional needs, can also have detrimental effects on residents’ well-being.
Seeking Compensation for Nursing Home Abandonment
Victims of nursing home abandonment and their families may be entitled to compensation for the harm caused by the facility’s negligence. Pursuing a legal claim can help cover medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages related to the abandonment. Here are some steps to consider if you suspect abandonment in a nursing home:
- Document the neglect. Keep detailed records of any incidents of neglect, including dates, times, and descriptions of what occurred. Photographs and medical records can also serve as important evidence.
- Report the abandonment. Notify the nursing home administration and relevant state agencies about the suspected abandonment. This can prompt investigations and corrective actions.
- Seek medical attention. Ensure that the resident receives appropriate medical care to address any harm caused by the abandonment.
- Consult with an attorney. An attorney with experience handling medical malpractice and nursing home abuse claims can help you understand your legal rights and options for pursuing compensation. They can guide you through the legal process and advocate on your behalf.