Birmingham Spinal Fusion Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers
Did you or a loved one suffer complications from spinal fusion surgery due to poor care or neglect on the part of the nursing home staff or the facility? If so, the compassionate and experienced Birmingham nursing home abuse lawyers of Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP want to hear from you right away.
As people age, degeneration of the spine occurs. That causes weakness and instability making it difficult for an older person to perform routine tasks on their own. The purpose of spinal fusion surgery is to relieve pain and correct any problems with the vertebrae. During the procedure, the doctor fuses two or more vertebrae together, so they heal into one solid bone. That eliminates painful motion and restores some stability to the spine.
Various complications could arise after undergoing spinal fusion, especially in elderly patients. For individuals 65 years of age and older, the following risks are associated with spinal fusion surgery:
- Blood transfusion
- Urinary complications
- Additional operations required
- Extended recovery period
- Pulmonary embolism
- Respiratory complications
For those staying in a nursing home, receiving proper care and assistance is crucial in preventing issues from occurring. Nursing home facilities must observe patients recovering from spinal fusion to promote healing and avoid any potential problems.
How to Recognize the Warning Signs of Abuse and Neglect
Spinal fusion injuries commonly occur when the elderly fall or overexert themselves after surgery. In a nursing home, that happens when the staff isn’t around to help them get out of bed or assist them on a walk. It’s also the result of abusive actions, such as kicking, punching, or throwing the person down to the ground.
There are signs you can look for to determine if your loved one is the victim of abuse or neglect. In many situations, spinal injuries that happen with no clear explanation is typically an indicator. The common signs of abuse and neglect include:
- Fractured and broken bones
- Infections
- Emotional withdrawal
- Extreme agitation
- Fear of specific staff members
- Isolation
- Unexplained wounds, cuts, or scrapes
- Rapid weight loss
- Dehydration
- Medication errors
If you suspect your loved one’s spinal fusion injury resulted from abuse or neglect on the part of the nursing home staff, you should seek legal representation from the personal injury law offices of Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP immediately.
An experienced lawyer could assist you in filing an insurance claim or lawsuit against the negligent parties. There are various laws and statutes you must follow to seek compensation in a case against a nursing home. If you’re unfamiliar with the process, you won’t know how to complete each step and properly submit necessary evidence. Contact Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP for help with your claim.
Is There a Difference Between an Injury Claim and Lawsuit?
There’s a big difference between filing an insurance claim and filing a lawsuit. When you submit an insurance claim, you’re seeking a fair settlement for the harm your loved one suffered as well as future costs of treatment, typically from the nursing home’s liability insurance company. When you file a lawsuit, you’re seeking compensatory damages for the economic and non-economic damages they’ve incurred. In rare instances (usually gross negligence or willful misconduct), the court could award punitive damages designed to punish the defendant as well.
Compensatory damages are expenses, such as medical bills, while punitive damages are a financial award that punishes the responsible person or entity for their careless actions. The amount of money you receive from an insurance claim or lawsuit depends on various factors, including:
- The severity of the injury
- Duration of treatment needed
- The total cost of expenses
- Availability of sufficient evidence
In general, you will likely be seeking compensation for:
- Future rehabilitative care
- Nursing care
- Transportation for treatment
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
Because each spinal fusion complication case is different, it is crucial to hire a lawyer who understands these cases and how best to get you the maximum compensation that your family is owed.
What if I Can’t Afford a Lawyer?
We know that you want to put an immediate end to the neglect and abuse your loved one has suffered, but families often wonder if taking legal action is possible. We encounter many people who are particularly concerned about the cost of pursuing legal action against the negligent party.
Our firm firmly believes that no one should have to worry about how to afford the best possible legal representation that their family deserves. That’s why our attorneys represent our clients on a contingency-fee-basis.
Our consultations are 100% free, and we won’t charge you anything until we win your case. We’ll make sure you’re treated fairly throughout the process, and we’ll seek the maximum amount of compensation possible for your loved one. Our goal will be to get them the justice they deserve, and the full compensation they need to get the proper treatment and care they need.
Call Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP to Speak with a Spinal Fusion Injury Lawyer
It’s devastating to find out that a nursing home facility you trusted has failed to provide the proper care for you or your loved one. Fortunately, the law allows you to hold them accountable if they were negligent. With the right legal team on your side, you could secure the compensation necessary to get them medical attention, ongoing care and treatment, and anything else they need to live with the comfort and dignity they deserve.
Contact us online today to reach out to one of our experienced Birmingham nursing home abuse lawyers for help. You can also call us at (205) 324-1212. We’ll be ready to discuss the specifics of your case and help take immediate action to protect your loved one from further harm.
