District of Columbia Sued for Failing Disabled Nursing Home Patients

A class action complaint has been filed in federal court against the District of Columbia. The lawsuit contends that over 500 (possibly even up to 2,900 disabled) residents have been unnecessarily institutionalized against their own wishes because the city has failed to provide adequate community housing care alternatives. The lawsuit, filed by disability rights advocates, contends that the city is in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

In 2007, the District was given a federal grant of over $26 million to move 1,100 disabled people and seniors from DC nursing homes. While 73 people have been transferred out of institutional settings, patients have not yet been transferred out of nursing homes. According to advocates, city agencies and nursing home staffs have failed to notify residents that they have other living options.

Nursing Home Negligence

Nursing homes are responsible for providing residents with the specific care that he/she requires. Nursing home residents have certain rights even when staying at an assisted living facility. It is important that a patient benefit from living in a nursing home. In the event that personal injury results because of Washington DC nursing home neglect or abuse or medical practice or inadequate nursing care, the assisted living facility can be held liable for nursing home negligence.

Our Washington DC nursing home abuse law firm represents patients and their families that have suffered injury, illness, or death as a result of negligent nursing care.

Some signs of nursing home abuse or neglect:
• Malnutrition
• Dehydration
• Unexplained bruises or injuries
• Bedsores
• Unexplained mood swings, depression, or withdrawal
• Nursing home staffers’ inability to explain how an injury occurred
• Overmedication
• Unwarranted restraints
• Sudden weight loss or gain
• Wandering or elopement
Advocates set to sue D.C. on behalf of disabled confined to nursing homes, The Washington Post, December 22, 2010
Lawsuit Claims DC Failing Nursing Home Residents, WUSA/AP, December 23, 2010
Related Web Resources:
Nursing Homes, DC Department of Health
Nursing Homes, Medicare.gov

Maryland Nursing Home Lawyer Blog

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