Nursing Home Negligence Lawyer Toronto

Families invest significant time and resources when choosing a nursing home for an elderly loved one or another family member who cannot live independently. These facilities (including retirement homes and long-term hospital stays) provide essential care to people who, due to advanced age or disability, are unable to fully care for themselves. When we entrust our loved ones to a nursing home, we feel a strong sense of safety and security in knowing they are being closely and competently monitored and that all of their needs are being met. When loved ones suffer from neglect or abuse, that trust is broken. The results can be devastating for both the victim and the family.

Nursing Home Lawsuit

Have you, your mom or dad, or a loved one suffered the effects of poor care in a Nursing Home?

If you have, then contact us to find out if we can help you. You may be able to join a class action or a mass tort against these homes, possibly entitling you to damages under one of these proceedings.

Call 877-771-7006

Member of Nursing Home Action Coalition

What is Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect?

Nursing home abuse generally refers to a specific intent to cause harm to a facility resident. Nursing home neglect occurs when a nursing home or its staff break the rules set by the government and nursing home industry designed to keep you safe.

Abuse Includes:

Physical assault
Improper use of restraints
Sexual abuse and/or assault
Financial exploitation
Emotional abuse

Neglect Includes:

Failure to give residents timely medical treatment
Failure to treat medical conditions such as cuts that lead to infections
Failure to prevent bed sores and pressure ulcers
Causing or contributing to malnutrition and dehydration
Poor planning leading to falls by residents
Poor security and supervision of residents
Failing to protect residents from violence by other residents
Poor care planning and care management
Medication and prescription errors, including over-medicating residents

Both abusive actions and negligent actions/inaction can cause serious injury, disability or even death.

Signs of Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect

Sadly, patients who are victims of abuse or neglect in a nursing home are often unwilling or unable to communicate the harm that is being done to them. They may worry that staff will get angry with them and treat them even worse, they may be afraid no one will believe them. Or they may be mentally or physically incapable of expressing the terrible treatment they have received.

If you notice any of the following issues, t a nursing home may not be providing the care your loved one needs.

Warning signs of nursing home abuse or neglect include:

A decline in personal hygiene – If a resident is unable to change their own clothes, practice good oral hygiene, bathe, groom, or clean themselves after eating or creating a mess, they depend on staff for help to stay clean. If there is a decline in personal hygiene it may be due to neglect on the part of the staff.
Sudden weight loss, dehydration, bedsores or pressure sores – These conditions suggest that basic needs for food, water, and frequent position changes are not being met.
Unusual changes in behaviour – If a patient becomes withdrawn or very quiet, or if they become agitated or scared of staff and other residents, they may not be getting the care, safety and security they need; or they may have improper medication
Poor or unsafe conditions in the facility – Dirty and unsanitary conditions, poor security or dangerous living areas (poor lighting, equipment left in hallways, slippery floors, trip hazards, etc.) can be evidence of neglect.
Unexplained injuries – Bruising, broken bones, and cuts can suggest there has been a physical assault, improper use of restraints, or a fall/accident from dangerous living conditions. If a resident is diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection but does not have the mental capacity to consent, it may be evidence of abuse.
Buying too many gifts for staff or other residents, loss of personal property or unusual bank account activity – A resident could be being manipulated for their money.

When You Or A Loved One Is Hurt, Let Us Help

As one of Canada’s top personal injury firms, Howie, Sacks & Henry has a track record of successfully handling nursing home abuse, neglect and medical malpractice cases. Our team of knowledgeable, skillful and trusted lawyers has the expertise and experience required to effectively represent you and advocate on your behalf in these matters.

When you contact an HSH lawyer, you can be confident that we will be attentive to your needs and concerns, compassionate in serving you during this difficult time, and respectful and professional throughout the legal process.

No amount in damages or compensation for injuries sustained from abuse or neglect will ever fully replace what you or your loved one has lost. But as your trusted legal representative and advocate, an HSH lawyer will work with you to seek financial resources that will help with the healing and recovery process and may assist you accessing better quality care.