As more and more elderly Americans fall victim to abuse and neglect in nursing homes across the country, our attorneys at Oklahoma Legal Center are urging lawmakers to take steps to protect the safety of elderly and disabled individuals in the state of Oklahoma. By placing cameras in OK nursing homes, for instance, the facilities …
As more and more elderly Americans fall victim to abuse and neglect in nursing homes across the country, our attorneys at Oklahoma Legal Center are urging lawmakers to take steps to protect the safety of elderly and disabled individuals in the state of Oklahoma. By placing cameras in OK nursing homes, for instance, the facilities entrusted with the care of the state’s elderly and disabled could more adequately protect their residents from harm while simultaneously rooting out poorly trained or unqualified employees. The rate of neglect and physical, sexual and emotional abuse in nursing homes is a major problem in Oklahoma and around the United States. If you believe your loved one may be the victim of abuse or neglect in an Oklahoma nursing home, consult our experienced attorneys at Oklahoma Legal Center to explore your legal options.
Preventing Abuse and Neglect in Nursing Homes
Oklahoma alone has 310 nursing homes, which have been charged with the daily care of roughly 21,600 disabled and elderly individuals. Too often, Oklahoma’s weakest and most vulnerable residents fall victim to physical, emotional or sexual abuse, or equally as harmful, neglect, perpetrated by those entrusted with their day-to-day care. In response to this serious issue, elder care advocates across the state have called for Oklahoma lawmakers to follow in the footsteps of Texas, passing a measure requiring mandatory video surveillance in the state’s nursing home facilities. In addition to monitoring the quality of daily care in statewide facilities and possibly even providing faraway family members with virtual visits, video monitors could also shield nursing home residents from possible harm in the form of assaults, abuse, theft and rape.
Contact Our Skilled Attorneys for Help
According to national estimates, one in three nursing homes in the U.S. have been cited for nursing home abuse and other similar infractions. Unfortunately, experts believe that there are many instances of nursing home abuse and neglect that go unreported, often because the victim is unwilling or unable to tell anyone about the devastating event. Many nursing home residents are physically handicapped or plagued with mental disabilities like dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, typically leaving them defenseless against a possible assailant. If your loved one resides in a nursing home facility in Oklahoma and you have noticed potential signs of abuse or neglect, contact our reputable lawyers at Oklahoma Legal Center for legal help. You may have grounds to file a personal injury lawsuit against the person or party found at-fault in the abuse or neglect, which would be made easier with the implementation of video surveillance.