Is a Nursing Home Liable for Resident Fights?
What to Do If You Are the Victim of Nursing Home Violence
Few people expect that when they put their loved one in a nursing home or long-term care facility, they will be the victim of a violent attack. But, patient-on-patient abuse is more common than most people think. If your loved one is attacked at a nursing home, the facility might be liable for damages if they fail to provide adequate supervision or prevent foreseeable harm.
At the Law Office of Asaro & Associates, P.C., we represent nursing home patients who have suffered an injury in a fight with another resident. Our experienced legal team will work tirelessly to ensure you receive the largest possible recovery. If you or your loved one has been injured in a resident fight at a nursing home in New York City, contact our office at (347) 231-5459 to schedule a free consultation.
When a Nursing Home May Be Held Liable for a Resident Fight
Resident fights can happen at nursing home facilities, particularly if patients are left unattended or if they are not properly screened. If a nursing home fails to provide a reasonable standard of care by not properly supervising residents or by failing to isolate patients with violent tendencies, they may be held liable if someone is injured in a resident fight.
A nursing home might face liability if a resident is injured in a fight when:
- There was a lack of proper supervision.
- There were red flags that a patient had violent tendencies.
- The staff was not adequately trained.
- There was inadequate staff on site.
- They did not properly screen a resident to determine if they had a violent history.
- They knew or should have known that a fight would occur and did not stop it.
- They knew of a patient’s mental health disorder that could make them violent and did not intervene.
If you believe that a nursing home was negligent in the care and treatment of you or your loved one resulting in harm, you need to speak with an attorney. Depending on the situation, the nursing home facility may be liable for damages, even if the injuries were caused during a resident fight.
What Types of Injuries Are Common in Resident Fights?
Resident fights at nursing homes can result in serious injury or even death. Therefore, fights must be broken up quickly or prevented, to begin with, in order to avoid a potentially life-threatening situation.
Common injuries in nursing home resident fights include:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Concussions
- Sprains, strains, or muscle tears
- Nerve damage
- Cuts and lacerations
It is essential for nursing home facilities to be proactive if they suspect that a resident may have a propensity for violence. Staff should be fully trained in de-escalation strategies and constantly supervise patients to ensure safety.
Injured in a Nursing Home Resident Fight?
Were you or a loved one injured in a nursing home resident fight? Contact our office at (347) 231-5459 to schedule a free consultation. Let us help you hold the facility accountable for failing to put the safety of its residents as their top priority.
