Residents of a nursing home are residents because they require medical care that they can no longer provide themselves. Depending upon severity of conditions, this care could be as simple as a few check-ins throughout the day, or could be as serious as constant and close observation. Because some patients require constant observation, staff members and caretakers have a responsibility and obligation to know what their patient’s needs are at all times and how to effectively provide those needs in a way that promotes a good quality of life. Nursing home negligence occurs when the needs of a patient are disregarded or overlooked. Often, injuries and death occur as a result of nursing home neglect, and the matter should not be taken lightly.
Facility Fined After Death of 78-Year-Old Man
Orchard-Post Acute Care in Whittier has been fined $75,000 and given a “AA” citation from the state of California for the death of a 78-year-old patient in 2008. The man, who suffered from Alzheimer’s and was recovering from a stroke, was admitted to the facility in July of 2008. Nursing home staff inserted a feeding tube into the man’s abdomen, as is often necessary for Alzheimer’s and Dimentia patients who may forget to eat or become aggressive at meal times. Soon after, the man began complaining of abdominal pain and was taken to the emergency room. While in the hospital, the doctors discovered that his feeding tube was inserted incorrectly, causing an inflamed abdomen lining, labored breathing, and septic shock. The man underwent an operation and was placed on a ventilator, but died six days later.
Placing a feeding tube is a common procedure in nursing homes. Staff members should be adequately trained before they perform these procedures on patients. It certainly is sad when something so easily preventable leads to the death of patient.
Nursing Home Neglect Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia
If your loved one is currently a resident of a nursing home or care facility, we encourage you to visit frequently and be very observant of the care they are receiving. If you are worried that the care is negligent, abusive, or inadequate, contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation. You may also call for a free consultation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.
After an investigation by the state of Nevada, the Las Vegas Home Sweet Home had its license revoked and was forced to close in August. All of the residents were removed and placed in different facilities. 
In 2004, New York’s highest court ruled that women can sue for emotional suffering if their stillbirth is a result of medical malpractice. There have now been a couple cases moving through the legal system that are determining what is justified compensation.
According to the New Orleans Police Department, a 42-year-old man died after suffering second and third degree burns at the St. Charles Health Care Center. Around 9 p.m. on August 2, 2011, the man, who was wrapped in gauze for treatment, entered into an argument with another resident, 72-year-old Joann Everett, when his dressing ignited in flames. The nursing home staff extinguished the fire before the firefighters arrived on the scene. The victim was taken to Baton Rouge General Medical Center where he was treated for the burns that covered 80 percent of his body. The man died the next day as a direct result of the burns he sustained. The New Orleans Parish coroner determined the death a homicide. Everett is in custody at a local hospital and will be arrested and charged with homicide and aggravated arson. Police have not stated what started the argument, how the man’s gauze caught fire, or the victim’s name. 
Linda Johnson saw Dr. Ernest N. Pennington in January 2008 for impressions of her mouth that were being used as preparation for a bridge that she was having placed. According to the complaint that was filed by her 
Topamax is not like many other migraine medications and this may shed light on its popularity. As opposed to taking the medicine as soon as headache pain begins, Topamax is taken daily which helps avoid migraines all together. Topamax begins limiting the frequency of migraines after only one month. But when women begin to heavily rely on it, a problem may arise. Many studies have shown that Topamax is successful in limiting headaches, but unfortunately, women need to prioritize once they become pregnant. Although headaches can have a devastating effect on daily activities, birth defects attorneys believe that the risk to newborn babies is far worse. Topamax has been widely available in the United States since 1996, but the true dangers of potential birth defects have only recently been realized. Expectant mothers should speak with a medical professional and seek an alternative medication while pregnant to limit the potential of birth defects.
Bishops Corner Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation in West Hartford, Connecticut is facing a $710 fine for failing to properly administer antibiotic medications that were prescribed by a doctor to a severely demented patient who was experiencing wheezing accompanied by a cough. According to the facility’s nursing director, the medication was “not available in the medication cart and the nurses failed to check with their supervisor.” In another incident of