Understanding Patient Neglect Laws in Georgia

Patient neglect and abuse happens more frequently than you may expect in Georgia. For nearly a century, the experience attorneys at Powell & Associates have been dedicated to protecting the rights of patients who may be victims of abuse, malpractice, or neglect.

If you or a loved one is in a nursing home or under daily care, it is important to understand your rights and be able to identify signs of abuse or possible neglect. If you feel you or someone in your family is the victim of patient neglect, contact Powell & Associates today.

Types of Abuse and Neglect

The Georgia Division of Aging Service defines neglect of elderly or disabled adults, also called at-risk adults, as someone intentionally or unknowingly withholding basic necessities or care. Essentially, neglect occurs when the caregiver, oftentimes a nursing home, puts its patient in harm’s way by failing to provide the basic necessities of life.

Whether it is intentionally refusing, or carelessly forgetting, every patient is deserving of food, water, shelter, and medical care, especially at the price it costs family members to have those services and protection provided. If you feel that you have a family member who’s needs are being neglected, don’t hesitate to contact us for consultation on what you can do next.

What Are the Signs of Neglect?

It’s not only important to understand you and your family’s rights in patient neglect, it is more important to know the warning signals. Most of the time, the victim is elderly and easily abused without limited, if any, ability to protect themselves. Signs of neglect you should look for are:

• Unsanitary and unsafe living conditions
• Untreated injuries or neglect of providing medicines or care for previous medical conditions, including failure to provide glasses or hearing aids if required
• Malnourishment, dehydration, weight loss, or rotting teeth
• Dirty beds and living conditions and bed rashes and sores
• Lack of clothing, especially in the colder months

Understanding these warning signs are the first step. If you see any of these signs, don’t hesitate to ask questions. You have rights, and those rights include being taken care of with the utmost attention.

What Do You Do If You Suspect Neglect?

The State of Georgia provides plenty of assistance if you feel you may be the victim of neglect. There are several hotlines, like the Elderly Legal Assistance Program or Senior Legal Hotline, that can provide insight to your problem. However, it is also important to reach out to a patient neglect attorney like Powell & Associates. Not only are we dedicated to protecting your rights, we are committed to ensuring you receive the fair and just compensation you deserve. Patient neglect is both hard on the patient and family, leading to emotional trauma for everyone involved.

Contact your Atlanta Patient Neglect Attorneys Today.

If you feel you or an elderly family member are the victims of patient neglect, don’t try to go at it alone. Contact the experienced attorneys at Powell & Associates for your complimentary consultation and we’ll get you started on your road to recovery. You don’t need any further emotional distress.

We are committed to protecting the rights of everyone involved in patient neglect, from the elderly patient to the entire family caused to suffer. We are committed to ensuring your rights are protected and getting you the fair and just compensation you deserve. Call (404)365-7077 or fill out our online contact form today.