The federal government has noted that overmedication of nursing home patients is “troubling.” Our Lexington nursing home abuse lawyers know that it is more than troubling – overmedication can be a form of abuse. And sadly, it’s a common occurrence. At Minner Vines Injury Lawyers, PLLC, our legal team aggressively seeks justice for abused nursing home patients and their families. We fight to hold nursing homes and abusers accountable for their intentional wrongdoing and negligence. If your loved one has been overmedicated in a nursing home in Lexington, KY, contact our office at (859) 550-2900 to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced lawyers.
How Minner Vines Injury Lawyers, PLLC Can Help You With a Nursing Home Overmedication Claim in Lexington, KY
Nursing home abuse causes thousands of injuries and deaths each year. Vulnerable seniors and disabled patients are subjected to physical, sexual, emotional, and financial abuse. Our Lexington personal injury lawyers fight for the rights of residents to be treated with compassion, adequate care, and dignity. At Minner Vines Injury Lawyers, PLLC, we have more than 100 years of combined experience. We’ve won billions of dollars for our clients in jury verdicts and settlements, earning our lawyers membership in the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. When you hire our top-rated Lexington nursing home abuse attorneys, you can expect us to:
- Advise you of your rights and legal options regarding nursing home abuse claims
- Investigate the cause of the overmedication and gather evidence proving intentional torts, negligence, and other wrongdoing
- Pursue claims for damages against all parties responsible for the overmedication and abuse
- Analyze injuries and damages to determine the total value of your claim
- Aggressively negotiate for fair settlements or take the case to trial, if necessary
Our award-winning attorneys are recognized by prestigious legal organizations, including Super Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers, the American Board of Trial Lawyers, Expertise.com, and Best Lawyers. We also hold the top rating by Martindale-Hubbell – the AV Preeminent peer rating for professional excellence. Contact Minner Vines Injury Lawyers, PLLC to schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced nursing home overmedication lawyer in Lexington, Kentucky.
Overmedication Is Considered Abuse in Kentucky Nursing Homes
Nursing home abuse is defined as physical harm, mental anguish, or pain caused by:
- Unreasonable confinement
- Willful infliction of injury
- Punishment
- Intimidation
Abuse can be sexual, verbal, physical, or mental in nature. It happens in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, hospitals, and other healthcare establishments. Elder abuse also occurs at home and in other private situations. Physical restraints are often used to keep a resident in their wheelchair or bed. Sometimes, they are necessary to protect a patient, but they are often used as punishment and control. Chemical restraints involve using medications, such as antipsychotic drugs, to control nursing home patients. The medicines make the patients more docile. In some cases, a nursing home resident may need antipsychotic drugs for specific diseases or health conditions, such as mental disorders, dementia, or Alzheimer’s. However, some nursing homes overmedicate patients because of inadequate staffing, to restrict patient movement, or to avoid dealing with a patient. Overmedication may be accidental due to negligence or carelessness. It might occur because of a lack of communication, overworked staff members, or poor management. However, overmedication may also be intentional. In either case, nursing home overmedication is abusive and can have dangerous consequences for the patient.
The Dangers of Nursing Home Overmedication in Lexington, KY
Medications have serious side effects, especially antipsychotics. Overmedication can result in:
- Greater risk of falls
- Cognitive decline
- Memory loss
- Inability to communicate
- Decline in strength and mobility
- Altered consciousness
- Depression
- Wrongful death
A nursing home patient who is being overmedicated could develop life-threatening conditions such as high blood pressure, stroke, heart attack, infections, and severe weight loss. Knowing the signs of nursing home overmedication can help you identify this type of abuse. Signs of nursing home overmedication include, but are not limited to:
- Difficulty thinking
- Changes in personality or behavior
- Oversleeping
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Trouble with balance and coordination
- Unexplained weight loss or gain
- New psychological and/or medical conditions
- Fatigue
- Depression and/or withdrawal
- Physical injuries
- Rashes and other side effects associated with a specific medication
If you suspect your loved one is being overmedicated in a nursing home, contact a physician immediately. Demand that your family member be examined and evaluated by an independent doctor. If your loved one appears to be in immediate danger, call 911.
What Damages Are Available in a Nursing Home Overmedication Case in Lexington, Kentucky?
Our nursing home abuse lawyers can help you and your loved one pursue a claim against the parties responsible for overmedication and abuse. Your loved one could be entitled to economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Pain and suffering
- Medical bills and expenses
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Loss of enjoyment and quality of life
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
- Impairments and disabilities
A jury may also award punitive damages against the at-fault parties. If you notice any warning signs of nursing home overmedication, contact Minner Vines Injury Lawyers, PLLC to discuss the steps you can take to protect your loved one from further abuse.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Lexington Nursing Home Overmedication Lawyers
You have legal options if the nursing home overmedicated your family member. Call Minner Vines Injury Lawyers, PLLC to request a free case review with an experienced Lexington nursing home overmedication attorney.