Negligent Hiring by Nursing Homes

    PHILADELPHIA, PA, April 15, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- In the article Criminals in Nursing Homes, it was stated that federal data had found up to 90 percent of all nursing homes employ people who have been convicted of at least one crime. The article quoted the findings of this federal investigation to state that "no federal law or regulation specifically required nursing homes to check federal or state criminal history records for prospective employees. Ten states require a check of F.B.I. and state records...while 33 require a check of state records, and the remainder do not have explicit requirements."

A nursing home should be a safe environment for its residents. When you choose a nursing home for your loved one, you try to ensure that they are in a facility that will tend to their needs and ensure they live a comfortable life. Sadly, for millions of nursing home residents, nursing home abuse and neglect at the hands of criminal employees is a reality.

Signs of Nursing Home Abuse

There are several indications that nursing home abuse or neglect has taken place. Some of these signs are physical in nature such as bruises, broken bones, or cuts. Others will be emotional such as aggravation, depression, and unusual behaviors. Neglect may be indicated by malnourishment, bedsores, or improper medication.

These can be the result of a nursing home that does not have adequate staff to care for its residents. It can also be the result of violent criminals who have been hired by a nursing home inflicting intentional harm on your loved one. In both of these instances, you have a right to hire a nursing home abuse attorney to help protect your loved one and gain the compensation they deserve.

What You Can Do

You can start by asking any prospective nursing home about their hiring practices. If management is unwilling to discuss this with you, you may want to look at a different home. If criminal behavior becomes apparent after you have placed your loved one in a care facility, you can contact an attorney who can guide you through the process and fight for your family's rights.

If your loved one has suffered at the hands of nursing home staff in or around Philadelphia, Allentown, West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, or anywhere in the state of New Jersey, please visit the website of Wapner, Newman, Wigrizer, Brecher & Miller for more information on what you can do at www.wnwlaw.com.

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