Author Archives: Adam Peck

There are a number of different warning signs that could suggest that a nursing home is not providing adequate health care. In many cases, these warning signs will go unnoticed until it is too late. In other cases, these warning signs are simply brushed off by family members and friends. And, in even more cases, these warning signs are hidden behind closed doors. Whatever the case, it is important to be on the lookout for any signs of nursing home abuse or neglect. Nursing homes are supposed to be a place of support and security; however, this is not always the case. If you notice any warning signs that a nursing home is not up to standard, then it is important to contact a Peck Law Group elder abuse attorney to toll free at 1.866.999.9085 immediately.

Physical Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
Physical signs can often be a great indicator of abuse. If your loved one is showing any of these symptoms, it could be a sign of neglect or abuse:

â– Bed sores/ pressure sores
â– Torn clothing or personal items
â– Constant falls and traumas
â– Excessive weight loss or weight gain
â– Fecal/urine smells
â– Pale complexion
â– Lack of personal hygiene
â– Presence of dirt, lice, fleas, etc.
â– A change in personality
Keep in mind that abuse can also occur without any shred of physical symptoms. It is also important to remember that emotional abuse be just as common and devastating to the nursing home victim.

Signs of Nursing Home Neglect or Inadequate Care
There are a number of cases where the neglect or abuse is not as easy to recognize as the physical signs. One of the best ways to understand if a nursing home is providing adequate care is to understand the Minnesota Nursing Home Resident Bill of Rights. Some of the signs that neglect or abuse is taking place may include:

â– Lack of staff members and lack of service provided
â– Rudeness of staff members
â– Lack of entertainment facilities
â– Lack of patient morale
â– Lack of proper diet, nutrition and lifestyle facilities
â– Lack of proper heating or cooling
â– Lack of proper hygienic cleaning
If you notice any of the following, then it is important to discuss your concerns with your loved one as well as with an experienced Peck Law Group nursing home abuse lawyer.

Often called a super bug because of its drug resistence, C. difficile is common in hospitals and nursing homes. It tends to hit elderly people who have an underlying health condition, such as inflammatory bowel disease or immunodeficiency and who are also receiving antibiotics.

It causes diarrhea, dehydrating a patient and complicating their medical condition, and many times death.

A lawsuit filed May 25, 2011 in Galveston County Court at Law No. 2 argues that the facility, doing business as Heartstone at Texas City, and one of its physicians failed to provide the decedent adequate care and treatment for his wounds and thus contributed to his death last September.

Dr. Folasade M. Ojo, Heartstone Management Inc. and IPH Health Care Services Inc. are also defendants in the case.

The original petition shows Christopher Murphy was admitted for residency requiring minimal assistance on May 8, 2010.

An apparent fall three weeks later caused him to be taken to nearby Mainland Medical Center for observation.

According to the suit, doctors diagnosed Christopher Murphy with “infected wounds to the buttocks, feet and legs” and “acute renal failure.”

They reported to his family “that he did not have injuries related to a fall,” it says.

Christopher Murphy died on Sept. 3, 2010.

The report from his subsequent autopsy revealed the cause of death to be sepsis from pseudo membranous colitis, severe sacral decubitus ulcer and urinary tract infection.