Unattended, these patients fall and receive head injuries and broken bones when they try to get out of bed. Malnutrition and dehydration are clear signs of neglect. The worst part about this type of this neglect is that it slows down healing and can worsen existing health problems. Other cases of neglect include inadequate supervision. At times, patients are left alone with dangerous objects, causing harm to themselves or others.
Physical abuse is another concern for elderly patients in nursing homes.
Patients are sometimes slapped, kicked, or suffer some other form of abuse such as sexual assault. Oftentimes, this understaffing is a purposeful attempt on the part of the nursing home to cut corners and turn a larger profit. No money for training or use of unqualified employees results in injuries. The following are typical kinds of damages that are recoverable. Violations of federal nursing home regulations are often the basis for liability.