Elder Abuse and Neglect: Failure to Treat Pain

Elder abuse and neglect are a reality. And, while families conduct all the appropriate and necessary research to find the best care for their elderly family members, it is possible that they may receive substandard care while in a nursing home environment. 

If your elderly family member has suffered because of the neglect of a medical professional in Washington, it is common to feel helpless, betrayed and unsure of what you can do to protect your loved one. 

There are many ways in which a nursing home resident can be mistreated, and the failure to treat pain is a more common occurrence than you might think. This is a topic that is unpleasant and frightening to discuss, and institutions that have been accused of this type of neglect may attempt to keep the accusations from reaching public awareness. 

There have been multiple lawsuits initiated and won because a nursing home resident suffered unduly as a result of medical neglect. If you believe medical staff responsible for his or her care failed to treat or notice your loved one’s pain, act immediately to protect his or her health and safety. Advise nursing staff, doctors and facility administration and seek the guidance of an attorney who specializes in personal injury law and elder abuse cases. 

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Understanding Elder Abuse and Neglect: Failure to Treat Pain 

Why are pain symptoms overlooked? 

In a nursing home setting, many times the nursing department is overworked and understaffed. Nurses, who are the front line of patient monitoring, may fail to notice subtle changes in a patient’s behavior or may miss symptoms that are not vocalized by the patient. Patients who are unable to speak or communicate effectively may be challenged to express their suffering adequately to staff, resulting in neglected pain that the patient must endure over long periods of time. This type of situation causes lack of quality of life for the patient and poses serious risks to his or her health and wellbeing. 

Recognizing Symptoms of Pain 

While the ultimate responsibility for recognizing and addressing symptoms of pain belongs to the professional staff of the nursing home, your close monitoring of care can help identify problems and alert staff to potential situations that need attention. Patients who suffer from compromised cognition or limited ability to express themselves, such as is the case with dementia or Alzheimer’s patients, may not be able to vocalize symptoms or discomfort. Be aware of the following potential signals of pain and watch over your loved one to be sure that appropriate care is administered. 

  • Facial expressions of discomfort or sadness 
  • Unexplained emotions including fear or anger 
  • Rigid posture 
  • Crying out unexpectedly 

If you noticed that your loved one exhibited any of the above behaviors for an extended period, he or she might be experiencing untreated pain. You need to seek help from the medical staff to pinpoint possible symptoms and implement pain management plans. If you fail to receive support from the medical staff, you may need to seek further assistance from the administration or a qualified attorney to ensure proper care for your family member. 

Case Results

Confidential

Nursing home vulnerable adult medication overdose wrongful death in Pierce County.

$4,255,555

Neglect, drowning, and cognitive impairment of a vulnerable adult under DSHS care and supervision.

$1,250,000

Nursing home vulnerable adult neglect and wrongful death in Pierce County.

Our Approach to Elder Abuse and Neglect: Failure to Treat Pain 

At Ron Meyers & Associates PLLC, we understand the distressing reality of elder abuse and neglect, particularly the failure to treat pain experienced by vulnerable nursing home residents. We are committed to advocating for the rights and well-being of elderly individuals who may be suffering due to substandard care. Our approach to addressing this critical issue involves several key principles: 

  1. Compassionate Advocacy: We approach elder abuse and neglect cases with deep empathy and understanding. We recognize the emotional toll it can take on families when their loved ones endure pain without proper treatment. Our team is here to offer not only legal guidance but also emotional support during what can be a challenging journey. 
  2. Legal Expertise: With years of experience in personal injury law and elder abuse cases, we possess the legal knowledge and skills needed to effectively represent our clients. We have a proven track record of advocating for the rights of elderly individuals who have suffered due to neglect, particularly the failure to address their pain. 
  3. Thorough Case Evaluation: Each elder abuse and neglect case is unique, requiring a comprehensive evaluation. We carefully review the details of your case, working closely with you to gather evidence and documentation that support your claims. We understand the nuances of these cases and use our expertise to build strong arguments on your behalf. 
  4. Holding Responsible Parties Accountable: We firmly believe that those responsible for neglecting the pain and suffering of elderly individuals must be held accountable for their actions. This includes not only individual medical professionals but also the nursing home facilities that may have contributed to the neglect through staffing issues, inadequate training, or failure to meet regulatory obligations. 
  5. Pursuing Compensation: Our goal is to ensure that your loved one receives the compensation they deserve for the pain and suffering they endured due to neglect. We aggressively pursue compensation for medical expenses, emotional distress, loss of quality of life, and other damages resulting from untreated pain. 
  6. Advocating for Change: Beyond individual cases, we are passionate about advocating for systemic change to prevent elder abuse and neglect in nursing homes. We believe that by pursuing justice for our clients, we contribute to a safer and more compassionate environment for all elderly residents. 

If you suspect that your elderly family member has experienced untreated pain and neglect in a nursing home, you don’t have to face this challenging situation alone. Our dedicated legal team at Ron Meyers & Associates PLLC is here to provide guidance, support, and unwavering advocacy on behalf of your loved one. Together, we can seek justice and work to ensure that such neglectful treatment does not continue to harm vulnerable elderly individuals. Contact us today at 360-459-5600 to set up a free consultation with an attorney who cares about your family’s well-being. 

How Ron Meyers & Associates Can Help with Elder Abuse and Neglect: Failure to Treat Pain Cases 

Ron Meyers & Associates PLLC is a Phone Call Away 

Caring for a loved one in deteriorating health can be overwhelming and exhausting. Ron Meyers & Associates PLLC is a law firm specializing in personal injury law and elder abuse cases in the state of Washington. We understand the challenges you face and are dedicated to helping ensure the health and safety of your family member. Call us today at 360-459-5600 to set up a free consultation to discuss your case with an attorney. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Elder Abuse and Neglect: Failure to Treat Pain Cases 

“Failure to treat pain” refers to situations where an elderly nursing home resident experiences physical or emotional pain, and the medical professionals responsible for their care neglect to provide appropriate treatment. This may include ignoring or not adequately addressing the resident’s pain symptoms, resulting in undue suffering. 

Common reasons for the failure to treat pain in nursing homes may include understaffing, overworked nursing staff, inadequate training, lack of awareness or understanding of the resident’s pain, and sometimes even intentional neglect. These factors can lead to pain going unnoticed or untreated. 

Recognizing signs of untreated pain can be challenging, especially if your loved one has limited communication abilities. Watch for behavioral changes, including unexplained emotions such as fear or anger, facial expressions of discomfort or sadness, rigid posture, or unexpected crying out. These may indicate that your loved one is experiencing pain. 

If you suspect your loved one is suffering due to untreated pain, take immediate action. Notify the nursing home staff and administration about your concerns. If the issue persists or is not adequately addressed, consult with a qualified attorney who specializes in elder abuse and personal injury law for guidance on pursuing legal remedies. 

Yes, in many cases, nursing home facilities can be held responsible for the failure to treat pain experienced by residents. This responsibility may be due to factors such as poor hiring practices, inadequate training, lack of necessary staff, or failure to meet regulatory obligations. An attorney can help you determine liability and seek compensation on behalf of your loved one. 

Compensation in these cases may include medical expenses related to addressing the pain, emotional distress, loss of quality of life, and other damages resulting from the untreated pain. The specific compensation sought will depend on the circumstances of the case. 

Legal action can play a vital role in raising awareness about elder abuse and neglect, holding responsible parties accountable, and prompting nursing homes to implement changes to prevent future instances. By pursuing justice, you contribute to a safer and more compassionate environment for elderly residents. 

If you suspect elder abuse or neglect, especially the failure to treat pain, in a Washington state nursing home, you should report your concerns to local authorities, such as the police or adult protective services agency. You can also contact the Washington hotline at 866-363-4276 (866-END-HARM) to report your case. 

Ron Meyers & Associates PLLC specializes in elder abuse and personal injury law in the state of Washington. We can provide legal guidance, support, and advocacy for your loved one who has suffered due to the failure to treat pain. Contact us at 360-459-5600 to schedule a free consultation with an attorney who cares about your family’s well-being. 

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