PERSONAL INJURY Pg 2 The Gordon Law Firm, P.C. Stephen H. Gordon - Attorney at Law San Antonio, Texas 78201

If you or a loved one is injured as a result of the negligence of a nursing home, you could be entitled to compensation. Unfortunately, nursing home abuse is a growing problem in the United States. In 2001 the Special Investigations Division, Committee on Government Reform, and the U.S. House of Representatives reported that almost one-third of nursing homes in the United States were cited for abuse violations over a two-year period. An estimated 84 percent of abuse cases go unreported or unrecognized. Nursing home deaths are rarely detected by government inspectors, assessed by medical examiners, or investigated and prosecuted by law enforcement.

Federal and state laws were designed to protect nursing home residents. According to the Federal Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987, all residents in nursing homes are entitled to receive quality care and live in an environment that improves or maintains their overall physical and mental health. This entitlement includes freedom from abuse and neglect.

The Office of the Inspector General has categorized seven types of abuse sustained by the elderly in institutional settings:

Physical abuse – infliction of pain or injury, including sexual abuse.

Misuse of restraints – chemical or physical control of a resident not in accordance with accepted medical practice or orders.

Verbal/emotional abuse –demeaning statements, harassment, threats, humiliation or intimidation.

Physical neglect – disregard for the necessities of daily living such as food, water, bathing and basic care.

Medical neglect – lack of care for existing medical problems, such as ignoring a necessary medical diet, not calling a physician when necessary, being unaware of potential side effects of medication, or not taking action on a medical problem.

Verbal/emotional neglect – not meeting the patients’ verbal/emotional needs including disregarding patients’ wishes or restricting contact with family and friends.

Personal property abuse – illegal or improper use of a resident’s property (funds, property, assets) by another for personal gain.

Any of these incidents should be reported to the state agencies in charge of investigating such complaints. However, not all of these abuses will warrant a lawsuit or legal action by an individual. If there has been a clear case of physical abuse, we can help. Common signs of neglect may include bed sores, broken bones, dehydration, malnutrition, and other suspicious injuries or death.

NURSING HOME NEGLIGENCE

MEDICAL MALPRACTICE

PRESCRIPTION DRUG SIDE EFECTS

If you or a loved one is injured as a result of harmful and undisclosed side effects or a prescription drug, you could be entitled to compensation as well. There are a number or drugs that are currently suspected of having dangerous side effects, and some have been taken off of the market already.

Some examples include can be found at the following link:

Products and/or Drugs with potential dangers

OTHER PERSONAL INJURY CASES

We do handle many other types of personal injury cases. Just because you don’t see a specific one listed here doesn’t mean we cannot help you. Some other type of cases we review include: dog or animal bite cases; maritime injuries; asbestos injury, toxic mold cases, etc.

Important: Click here to read a Disclaimer in regards to the following information.

The Gordon Law Firm, P.C. | Ph: (210) 531-9700 | Fx: (210) 732-0158 | Email: Lawgordon@aol.com

Attorney Stephen H. Gordon - Voted Texas “Super Lawyer” in 2007 by “Scene in SA” Magazine.

If you or a loved one is injured as a result of the negligence of a medical provider, such as a doctor or hospital, you could be entitled to compensation as well. Common types of malpractice include: improper diagnosis, surgical mistakes, objects left in body, improper transfusion, prescription drug reactions, mistaken identity.

Unfortunately the rules for holding medical providers liable have become much more difficult across the country and especially in Texas. In addition, the Texas legislature has limited the amount of damages a party may be entitled to, no matter how serious the injuries or how bad the mistake.