Can You File A Claim Against A Nursing Home For Inadequate Security?
It is essential that nursing homes are safe environments. When many people first think of nursing home abuse, they may think of neglect or physical violence. However, there are many different types of nursing home neglect, and inadequate security is one of them. When nursing homes do not ensure that they have proper security measures in place, residents are at great risk of suffering harm.
Why is Security So Important in Nursing Homes?
The residents within nursing homes often suffer from mental illnesses such as dementia and Alzheimer’s. These diseases can sometimes cause nursing home residents to act erratically. At times, they may even act violently or lash out. Additionally, nursing homes are fairly open environments and people can typically come and go as they please. For all of these reasons, it is essential that all nursing homes have adequate security.
Without proper safety and security measures in place, a resident suffering from a mental health issue could hurt another resident. Any nursing home patient is also at risk of wandering, and they could even leave the property without adequate security measures in place. Lastly, nursing homes should always make sure they know who is entering the building and that no visitor poses a threat to the safety of the residents.
What is Adequate Security in a Nursing Home?
There are a number of measures nursing homes can take to ensure the premises have adequate security. These include:
- Hiring security staff, such as off-duty police officers to ensure the inside and outside of the facility are secure
- Properly conducting background checks on all staff members to ensure they do not have a criminal record
- Training staff and having clear policies outlined for when residents become violent
- Installing proper lighting on the grounds
- Installing video surveillance cameras
- Properly maintaining grounds and buildings so all areas are visible
When nursing homes do not ensure they have adequate security and a resident becomes hurt, they can file a claim to recover compensation for their losses.
Filing an Inadequate Security Claim Against a Nursing Home
Inadequate security on the property of a nursing home is a form of negligence, and the facility should be held liable for it. Inadequate security can result in physical attacks, theft, and other wrongdoing. Any of these could result in serious injuries. When adequate security could have prevented the harm from occurring but the facility did not provide it, they can be held liable for paying damages for any loss a resident sustained.
Filing a claim is the only way to obtain compensation from a nursing home, but doing so is not easy. A Tampa nursing home abuse lawyer can help you file and will give you the best chance of success with your claim.
Call Our Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer in Tampa Today
There are a number of ways nursing homes are negligent and cause residents harm. At Kohn Law, our seasoned Tampa nursing home abuse lawyers can prove a facility did not provide adequate security and help you and your loved one claim the fair settlement you are entitled to. Call us today at 813-428-8504 or contact us online to request a free consultation.
Source:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0400-0499/0400/0400.html
