תוכן עניינים
What Constitutes Negligence in a Nursing Home?
Nursing home negligence occurs when a facility fails to provide the standard of care that a reasonably competent professional in that field would provide. This can include inadequate medical monitoring, failure to prevent falls, untreated pressure sores, medication errors, physical abuse, financial exploitation, and failure to respond to a resident’s deteriorating condition.
Warning Signs of Nursing Home Negligence
Warning signs include unexplained physical injuries (bruises, fractures, pressure sores), sudden deterioration in the resident’s health or cognitive state, unexplained weight loss or dehydration, poor hygiene, fear or withdrawal when certain staff members are present, and unexplained financial transactions.
The Legal Standard of Care
Under Israeli law, nursing homes are bound by the regulations of the Ministry of Health and the Long-Term Care Insurance Law. The standard of care is established through expert medical testimony comparing the facility’s actual practice to accepted professional standards. Documentation — or the absence of it — plays a central role.
Gathering Evidence
The most important evidence is the facility’s own records: nursing notes, physician orders, medication administration records, and incident reports. Families should request these immediately upon suspecting negligence. Photographs of physical injuries, witness statements from other residents or visitors, and expert medical opinions are also critical.
Legal Remedies Available
Families may file a complaint with the Ministry of Health’s nursing home supervision unit, pursue a civil negligence claim, or both. Civil claims can yield compensation for pain and suffering, medical costs, and in the most severe cases, wrongful death damages.
For assistance identifying and pursuing a nursing home negligence claim, contact Lev-Taieb: 072-2428822.
