Nursing Home Neglect: Types and Signs

Nursing home neglect is a breach of duty or form of sub-standard care to a nursing home resident that results in harm to him/her. However, the breach of duty or sub- standard care must be an outcome of a nursing home’s negligent actions. Nursing home neglect is frequently overlooked and often results in a decline in general health and, eventually, the death of a resident.

Types of Nursing Home Neglect

The type of neglect may vary among individuals. However, there are four primary types of neglect:

Emotional or social neglect: In this type of nursing home neglect, a resident is repeatedly ignored, left alone, or accidentally snapped at by overstressed nursing home staff.

Personal hygiene neglect: In this type of neglect, a resident does not receive adequate help with cleaning, bathing, laundry, brushing their teeth, and other activities relating to personal hygiene.

Basic needs neglect: This is a type of neglect where a resident is not provided reasonable food, water, or a safe and clean environment.

Medical needs neglect: This happens when a nursing home facility fails to provide adequate attention, prevention, or medication for a resident’s concerns relating to such matters as a bed sore, infection, cut, diabetes, cognitive disease, and mobility.

Signs of nursing home neglect

The following are some warning signs of nursing home neglect:

·         Bedsores

·         Sudden weight loss

·         Injuries, such as cuts, bruises

·         Dehydration

·         Malnutrition

·         Withdrawn behavior or unusual changes in behavior

·         Changes in personal hygiene or appearance

·         Lack of friendly interaction with nursing home staff

·         Lack of friendly interaction with other nursing home residents

Preventing nursing home neglect

Studies have found that a nursing home resident who is visited often by his/her family, friends, and other loved ones is less likely to experience nursing home neglect. It is also the responsibility of the visiting family to watch for signs of nursing home neglect. If a family member notices any of the signs mentioned above, he/she should talk about it to his/her loved one and report the same to the concerned person/department so that necessary action can be taken.

Nursing Home Neglect: Types and Signs

I am thinking of placing my grandmother in a nursing home facility, since I am unable to provide her round-the-clock care. However, having heard that various forms of neglect and abuse take place in nursing homes, I am still undecided on the matter. What types of neglect are common in nursing home facilities, and what are some signs that I should look for?

Some common types of nursing home neglect may include emotional or social neglect, personal hygiene neglect, basic needs neglect and medical needs neglect.  

The following are some warning signs of nursing home neglect:

·         Bedsores

·         Sudden weight loss

·         Injuries, cuts, bruises

·         Dehydration

·         Malnutrition

·         Withdrawn behaviour or unusual changes in behavior

·         Changes in personal hygiene or appearance

·         Lack of friendly interaction with nursing home staff

·         Lack of friendly interaction with other nursing home residents

What can I do to receive temporary disability benefits from my workers’ compensation claim?

Temporary disability benefits will be available to you after a claims examiner approves your claim. If a claim is approved, you can expect to receive benefits in about two weeks.

New Jersey Workers’ Compensation Criteria

Workers' compensation is insurance that provides cash benefits and medical care for workers who are injured or fall sick as a direct result of their job. In New Jersey, most workers are protected by workers’ compensation laws. It compensates employees injured on the job for their medical costs and wages lost as a result of those injuries, as well as for long-term permanent disability.

Every worker who performs services for wages in New Jersey is covered under the state workers’ compensation protection. However, workers who are considered to be independent contractors are not protected. In order to protect your right to claim workers’ compensation, you must comply with all relevant criteria, as listed below:

·         Notify your employer as soon as possible that you have been injured.

·         Notice must be given no later than 90 days from the date of your injury.

·         Initiate your workers’ compensation claim with the state within two years of the date of injury. If you fail to do so, you will forfeit your claim under the statute of limitations.

·         Your employer should have you fill out a claim form so that you can officially report your injury, typically within 24 hours of its occurrence.

·         If your employer or their insurer unreasonably delays or denies your claim, they can be held liable for an additional 25 percent of the total amount owed, as well as legal fees incurred as a result of the unreasonable delay. A delay of 30 days or more may be considered unreasonable.

A claims examiner from your employer’s insurance company will interview you, your employer, and any witnesses. If your claim is denied, or your employer refuses to report your accident to their insurance company, speak to a workers’ compensation attorney right away to file a claim with the Division of Workers’ Compensation.

If you are injured at work, your employer is required to pay medical bills related to your workplace injury immediately, even before your Workers’ Compensation claim is formally accepted. However, other benefits like temporary disability benefits or permanent disability benefits will be available to you only after a claims examiner approves your claim. If a claim is approved, you can expect to receive benefits in about two weeks.

Workers’ compensation

I have been severely injured at my work place. What can I do to claim my workers’ compensation? What is the timeline to do so?

In order to make your workers’ compensation claim, you must notify your employer as soon as possible that you have been injured. Your employer will have you fill out a claim form so that you can officially report your injury, typically within 24 hours of its occurrence. Notice must be given no later than 90 days from the date of the injury. Initiate your workers’ compensation claim with the state within two years of the date of injury. If you fail to do so, you will forfeit your claim under the statute of limitations.

What are some common construction accidents, and how can you avoid them?

The following are some common construction accidents, along with some tips on how to prevent them:

Fall: Since many types of construction work are carried out at a considerable height, accidents happen often. A fall can result in broken bones, concussion and sometimes even death. To avoid a fall, use sturdy and secured scaffolding to elevate a platform. Always install a guardrail system and ensure to use a secure safety net or a personal fall arrest system to minimize injuries, should a fall occur.

Electrocution: Exposed electrical wiring on a job site poses a significant risk to the people who may come in contact with it. To reduce the risk of electrocution from the exposed wires, all wires must be labelled clearly and correctly.

Accident from falling objects: Falling objects such as tools, materials and debris pose a serious threat to workers. They can result in some serious injuries like concussion, broken bones and even traumatic brain injury. To prevent injuries from falling debris, make sure to wear hard hats at all times.

Heavy machinery accident: Heavy machinery can lead to serious injuries like broken or fractured limbs, disfigurement,  amputation, etc. To avoid an accident, a worker must be properly trained.

Slip and trip: A construction site is a busy place where numerous materials and substances are being moved around, resulting in untidy and uneven surroundings. Oil and grease spillages can cause some serious injuries, especially when it rains. To avoid slip and trip injuries at a construction site, the walkway and work area should be kept clear of obstructions at all times. 

Common Construction Accidents and Ways to Prevent Them

Construction workers have one of the most dangerous jobs. When compared to other dangerous work environments, construction sites have the highest rate of injuries. Workers are constantly in danger of falling from heights, getting hurt by falling debris, suffering from electrocution, etc. However, accidents and injuries can be avoided if you stay alert and follow some safety guidelines.

Here are some common construction accidents, along with some useful tips on how to avoid them:

Fall: A fall is one of the most common accidents that take place at a construction site. Since many types of construction work are carried out at a considerable height, accidents happen often. A fall can result in broken bones, concussion and sometimes even death. To avoid a fall, workers must use sturdy and secured scaffolding to elevate a platform. Always install a guardrail system, and make sure you use a secure safety net or a personal fall arrest system to minimize injuries, should a fall occur.

Electrocution: Exposed electrical wiring on a job site poses a significant risk to workers working around them. Hundreds of construction workers die each year because of electrocution. To reduce the risk of electrocution, the exposed wires must be labelled clearly and correctly. The wires must also be kept out of high traffic areas to minimize the risk of electrocution.

Accident from falling objects: Falling objects such as tools, materials and debris pose a serious threat to workers. They can result in some serious injuries like concussion, broken bones and even traumatic brain injury. To prevent injuries from falling debris, make sure to wear hard hats at all times.

Heavy machinery accident: Heavy machinery is an important component of a construction industry. It is vital for the completion of many construction jobs. However, heavy machinery can lead to serious injuries like broken or fractured limbs, disfigurement, amputation, etc. To avoid an accident, a worker must be properly trained.

Slip and trip: A construction site is a busy place where numerous materials and substances are being moved around, resulting in untidy and uneven surroundings. Oil and grease spillages can cause some serious injuries, especially when it rains. To avoid slip and trip injuries at a construction site, the walkway and work area should be kept clear of obstructions at all times. Any slippery surface should also be reported immediately to the manager, so that the hazard is dealt with at the earliest.

Common Construction Accidents

My brother will be soon taking up a construction job. I know how dangerous a construction site is. What are some common construction accidents that occur, and how can they be prevented?

Construction workers are constantly in danger of falling from heights, getting hurt by falling debris, becoming a victim of electrocution, etc. However, accidents and injuries can be avoided if you stay alert and follow some safety guidelines.

Here are some common construction accidents, along with tips on how to avoid them:

Fall: Since many types of construction work are carried out at a considerable height, accidents happen often. They can result in a broken bones, concussion and sometimes even death. To avoid a fall, use sturdy and secured scaffolding to elevate a platform. Always install a guardrail system and make sure you use a secure safety net or a personal fall arrest system to minimize injuries, should a fall occur.

Electrocution: Exposed electrical wiring on a job site poses a significant risk to the people who may come in contact with it. To reduce the risk of electrocution from the exposed wires, all wires must be labelled clearly and correctly.

Accident from falling objects: Falling objects such as tools, materials and debris pose a serious threat to workers. They can result in some serious injuries like concussion, broken bones and even traumatic brain injury. To prevent injuries from falling debris, make sure to wear hard hats at all times.

Heavy machinery accident: Heavy machinery can lead to serious injuries such as cuts, bruises, loss of body parts, etc. To avoid such an accident, a worker must be properly trained to use the machinery.

Slip and trip: A construction site is a busy place where numerous materials and substances are being moved around, resulting in untidy and uneven surroundings. Oil and grease spillages can cause some serious injuries, especially when it rains. To avoid slip and trip at a construction site, the walkway and work area should be kept clear of obstructions at all times. 

What are the various types of car accident injuries?

Some of the most common car accident related injuries are:

·         Head Injuries

·         Back injuries

·         Neck injuries

·         Chest injuries

·         Emotional distress

·         Other injuries related to the arms, legs, hands and feet 

Types of Car Accident Injuries

Car accidents can be catastrophic. They can cause severe injuries. Over 5.6 million car accidents were reported in the United States in 2012. Some types of car accident injuries are more common than others. Head and back injuries are two of the most common types of car accident-related injuries. They are also among the most serious.

Head Injuries

Hitting the head on the steering wheel, seat or window in high-speed accident can cause serious head trauma, resulting in traumatic brain injuries ranging from a mild concussion to a comatose state. The effects of the trauma can cause permanent cognitive damages.

Back injuries

 Back injuries in a car accident often damage the spinal cord, causing serious nerve damage. They often occur as a result of the sudden involuntary movement to the body in a high-speed crash. They can cause numbness in the fingers, hands, arms, legs and toes. More serious spinal cord injuries can result in partial or total paralysis.

Neck Injuries

Neck injuries are common in car accidents, causing neck pain and swelling and, in some cases, temporary vocal cord paralysis. The most common neck injury is whiplash, which occurs as a result of a sudden movement of the head and neck, causing serious damage to the muscles and ligaments in the neck.

Chest Injuries

Blunt force trauma from car accidents often cause broken ribs and collapsed lungs. People with heart problems may go into traumatic cardiac arrest after a car accident. There can be immediate internal bleeding in the chest area following an accident. Damage to internal organs, the pelvis, and the abdomen also occur. In these cases, victims should be given immediate medical attention.

Other Injuries

A car accident can cause injuries to the arms, legs, hands and feet. Accidents involving pedestrians can cause leg and foot damages. Motorcyclists involved in car accidents suffer significantly more serious and more numerous injuries. The fatality rate for motorcyclists is also significantly higher than that for drivers and passengers in cars. Many people also suffer from emotional distress following a car accident. 

Car Accident

What are the most common car accident injuries?

Car accidents can be catastrophic. They can cause severe injuries. Over 5.6 million car accidents were reported in the United States in 2012. Some types of car accident injuries are more common than others. Head and back injuries are two of the most common types of car accident-related injuries. They are also among the most serious. 

What are the most common types of seat belt-related injuries?

The most common types of seat belt-related injuries are:

Head Trauma and Brain Injuries: These result from improper use of the mechanism, and can have serious and life changing consequences. In these cases, the seat belt is worn with the strap behind the person, which prevents the seat belt from doing what it was designed to do, with the result that the body is abruptly or violently propelled forward during the accident, with the head of the individual hitting the steering wheel, dashboard or window.

Rib and Chest Injuries:  These result from incorrectly wearing the seat belt under the arm, but they may also happen when wearing the seat belt correctly. In either event, they lead to bruised chest muscles or cracked ribs. 

Seat Belt Related Injuries in Car Accidents

Seat belts are made with a mechanism that locks upon sudden movement. When high-speed accidents occur, the seat belt locks to restrict the body from hitting the dashboard or the windshield. This mechanism has saved millions of lives involved in major car accidents. At the same time, seat belts can cause injuries in car crashes. These injuries can be caused by a variety of factors, depending on the specific details of the accident. No matter what the circumstances of these injuries are, by exercising safe driving habits on the road and decreasing the number of car accidents that occur, seat belt-related accidents can be prevented.

Head Trauma and Brain Injuries are common seat belt-related injuries resulting from improper use of the mechanism. These head injuries can have serious and life-changing consequences. In these cases, the seat belt is worn with the strap behind the person, which prevents the seat belt from doing what it was designed to do, with the result that the body is abruptly or violently propelled forward during the accident, with the head of the individual hitting the steering wheel, dashboard or window.

Rib and Chest Injuries can result from incorrectly wearing the seat belt under the arm, but may also happen when wearing the seat belt correctly. In either event, they lead to bruised chest muscles or cracked ribs.

In a car accident, the momentum of the car is immediately arrested, but the body movement of those inside continues till the seat belt forces it to stop before hitting anything in the car. This results in the seat belt gripping the body tightly, usually creating burns or bruises across the neck, chest and shoulder. Injuries commonly seen as a result of wearing the seat belt the proper way are often minor and usually consist of some bruising.

Seat Belt-Related Accidents

Can seat belt-related accidents be prevented?

Seat belts are made with a mechanism that locks upon sudden movement. When high-speed accidents occur, the seat belt locks to restrict the body from hitting the dashboard or the windshield. This mechanism has saved millions of lives involved in major car accidents. At the same time, seat belts can cause injuries in car crashes. These injuries can be caused by a variety of factors, depending on the specific details of the accident. No matter what the circumstances of these injuries are, by exercising safe driving habits on the road and decreasing the number of car accidents that occur, seat belt-related accidents can be prevented. 

Give some tips to help prevent construction site accidents.

Here are some tips to help prevent construction site accidents:

·         Holding frequent meetings with the crew and the staff is one of the best ways to prevent injuries and accidents on a construction site. Everyone must be focused and mindful on the construction site at all times, especially when there are hazardous materials or equipment involved.

·         To maintain proper working order in all areas of the construction site, crew members must focus on working as a team to protect both themselves and the workers around them.

·         It is extremely important for all crew to stay hydrated, especially during the warmer months of the year.

·         All crew members should wear visible clothing and safety equipment. 

Construction Site Accident Prevention Tips

Here are some tips to help prevent construction site accidents:

§  Holding frequent meetings with the crew and the staff is one of the best ways to prevent injuries and accidents on a construction site. Everyone must be focused and mindful on the construction site at all times, especially when there are hazardous materials or equipment involved. These meetings should address any and all issues that may be occurring on the site, whether they are between crew members themselves or crew members and their chain of command.

 §  To maintain proper working order in all areas of the construction site, crew members must focus on working as a team to protect both themselves and the workers around them.

 §  It is extremely important for all crew to stay hydrated, especially during the warmer months of the year. Dehydration can lead to all types of complications, such as lack of alertness, fatigue and lack of concentration, all of which can have catastrophic consequences on a construction site.

 §  All crew members should wear visible clothing and safety equipment. This means that everyone on the construction site should wear reflective vests and hard hats. Similarly, anyone working above ground should wear a safety harness. Ensuring that all crew members can be easily seen not only keeps them accounted for, but also prevents anyone from being run over by heavy machinery or hit by debris or other objects. 

Construction Site Accidents

How can Construction Work Accidents be prevented?

Accidents and injuries are common at construction sites. These could range from mild to extremely serious, depending on the type of injury and specific details of the accident. However, they can be prevented if workers are given proper construction site safety education and understand the warning signs and hazards associated with construction site mishaps. 

Who are the potential defendants in a product liability claim involving faulty medical device?

The following are potential defendants in a product liability claim involving faulty medical device:

·         Manufacturer of the faulty device

·         The laboratory that performed tests on the medical device

·         Medical sales representatives who made recommendations about the defective medical device to doctors and other members of medical communities

·         A doctor, if he/she failed to warn of potential danger or instructions regarding the usage of the device.

·         If the hospital or clinic were part of the chain of distribution of the defective medical device, they may be liable for any injuries

·         When a victim suffers injuries due to medical devices that were obtained from pharmacies, drug stores, or other suppliers, the retailers can be held liable. 

Product Liability Claims Involving Faulty Medical Devices

When faulty medical devices such as, surgical instruments, implants, pacemakers, and prosthetics causes injuries or death to people, it can form the basis for product liability claims. Some examples of medical devices that have run into medical and legal issues in recent years include defibrillators, stents, implants and contraceptive devices. Victims of defective medical devices may make liability claims against defendants.

Types of product liability claims involving faulty medical devices

The following are different types of product liability claims involving faulty medical devices:

Defectively manufactured medical devices: These are those devices that were either improperly manufactured or otherwise damaged from the beginning. Such devices can be created because of error at the manufacturing facilities, shipping problems, or because of errors at hospitals.

Medical devices with defective designs: These are those devices that were properly manufactured but have unreasonably dangerous designs that resulted in injuries. Sometimes these medical devices will have been on the market long before they cause harm. Victims may claim that manufacturers were aware of the dangers but concealed them or delayed taking the products off from the market.

Defectively marketed medical devices: This refers to misrepresenting, failing to warn or failing to provide instructions concerning risks associated with the use of medical devices by patients. Marketing defects may occur from initial advertising, labelling and branding, to sales and distribution at physicians’ offices, and after.

Who are the liable parties?

Manufacturers: Victims can seek compensation for their injuries from manufacturers of such defective medical devices.  However, it is important to note that these companies inevitably hire teams of high-priced lawyers to defend such cases.

Testing laboratories: Laboratories that performed tests on the medical devices can be held liable for any injuries caused.

Medical sales representatives: Medical sales representatives may be held responsible if they recommended defective medical devices to doctors and other members of medical communities.

Doctors: Doctors may be found liable if they failed to warn of potential dangers or instructions regarding the usage of medical devices.

Hospitals/clinics: Since hospitals or clinics are part of the chain of distribution of defective medical devices, they may be liable for any injuries.

Retail suppliers: When victims suffer injuries due to medical devices that were obtained from pharmacies, drug stores, or other suppliers, the retailers can be held liable. This is because retailers were the final point in the chain of distribution.