Homestead Medical Neglect

Medical neglect in a caregiver setting occurs when patients and residents are either intentionally overmedicated or under medicated. In some cases, medical neglect can also include not providing adequate access to medical services, including dental services and doctor’s appointments. Unfortunately, for people in a caregiver setting, including elderly residents, medical neglect can lead to deteriorating health and even fatalities.

If you suspect medical neglect, it is important to act quickly. Your loved one may be in danger if they are not getting adequate help or if they are being over- or under-medicated. To find out what can be done, contact Flaxman Law Group to get legal advice from a personal injury attorney. The attorneys at Flaxman Law Group have already recovered more than $100 million on behalf of plaintiffs across South Florida. Call today for your free appointment.

Medical neglect often occurs because caregivers are trying to save costs or facilities are simply understaffed and do not put in adequate time and care with each resident. When there are too many residents per staff member, there may be less time to shuttle patients to doctor’s appointments or there may be simply more of an incentive to overmedicate patients to make them compliant. In cases where understaffing occurs, the caregiving facility may also cut back on costs in other ways – such as reducing access to medication, medical services, and doctor’s visits.

Medical neglect can take many forms. It can involve a patient or resident who is overmedicated on purpose in order to make them require less attention. It can involve under medicating a patient in order to save on costs or as a form of punishment. It can also involve patients not getting adequate appointments with doctors, optometrists, dentists, and other medical professionals that they need to see.

The consequences of medical neglect can be dire. Patients in caregiver facilities are often very vulnerable. Because they're living in a group environment, illnesses can easily pass from residents to resident. In addition, those who are in care giving environments are often vulnerable to pneumonia and other illnesses because of their weaker physical condition. Lack of medical attention can result in more serious illness and even fatalities. Undermedicating a patient can lead to serious complications and not providing a patient with adequate medical care can lead to illness and injury.

Do you want to protect a loved one from neglect and abuse? Contact Flaxman Law Group today. Charles Flaxman of the Flaxman Law Group worked for ten years in the insurance industry before becoming a partner and founder of Flaxman Law Group. This industry experience gives him an advantage when he is negotiating with insurance companies and facing insurance companies in the courtroom on behalf of plaintiffs. If you would like Charles Flaxman and the rest of the attorneys at Flaxman Law Group in your corner, contact Flaxman Law Group today for a free, no obligation case review.