People who make the choice to move into an assisted living facility in Washington DC have the right to expect that they will be kept safe. This includes an expectation that all medication will be provided and that the staff in these places be well trained.
However, the leading cause of injuries in assisted living facilities is not medical malpractice or even staff abuse. Most injured residents of assisted living facilities are hurt in accidents. Although the owners of these facilities do not intend to cause an injury to a resident, they still retain legal liability to compensate these people for their losses.
A Washington DC assisted living accidents lawyer could help clients to investigate the facts that led to their injury, to understand the relevant Washington DC laws, and to hold negligent assisted living facilities responsible for their actions. Contact a skilled attorney to learn more.
Assisted living facilities are an interesting combination of apartment communities and nursing homes. While the people who live in these places still retain a large level of independence, they may still rely upon nursing or support staff for the administration of medication or simple tasks such as dressing or bathing. In this way, assisted living facilities in Washington DC are like nursing homes.
However, because the residents here are free to leave as they wish and live in their own apartments, the operators of the facility must maintain their property. This can include everything from shoveling snow off sidewalks, to ensuring that stairs are not broken, and even having handrails where necessary. Any failure to maintain their property may make the assisted living facility’s owners liable in case of an injury.
Cases that allege injury due to a failure on the part of an assisted living facility to maintain their property are controlled by Washington DC law. Specifically, DC Code §12-301, a law known as the statute of limitations, states that courts will only hear a claim if the injured person files a complaint within three years of the date of injury. A Washington DC assisted living accidents lawyer could help clients to better understand the obligations of assisted living facilities and to file complaints on time.
Injuries that occur in assisted living facilities due to accidents are common. Something as simple as a loose piece of carpeting or an ice cube on the floor of a dining room could cause a resident to fall to the ground. This can place great strain on the joints of these people causing separations or broken bones. These temporary hazards could cause serious injuries.
Other injuries can be the result of defects in the structural integrity of the property. Broken stairs, loose handrails, or even faulty elevators could harm residents. Common examples of injuries that may result from accidents in assisted living facilities include:
• Deep cuts and scrapes
• Severe bruising
• Concussions
• Joint separations
• Broken bones
Any of these injuries could form the core of a personal injury claim. A Washington DC assisted living accidents lawyer could help clients to evaluate the facts that led to their injury and to demand compensation for their losses.
Accidents that occur on the premises of an assisted living facility in Washington DC are sadly common. Something as simple as a tumble to the ground could result in severe and life-changing injuries. People who are injured due to the negligence of the owners of an assisted living facility have the right to collect compensation.
A Washington DC assisted living accidents lawyer could help clients to pursue these payments. This can include payments for medical bills, mental anguish, and loss of quality of life. There is a limited time to file a claim so don’t delay; let a Washington DC assisted living accidents lawyer get to work for you.
