Wandering Off/Elopement Injuries
If you have a loved one living in a nursing home, then you trust that they are in good hands. Making sure your loved one is safe, has all their needs taken care of, and receives proper supervision are all basic things you expect for your family members.
Unfortunately, when nursing homes or skilled nursing facilities fall short, elderly residents may be hurt or killed if they wander unsupervised. Elopement is especially dangerous. This is when a person tries to leave and does not return — distinct from mere wandering because it is often purposeful and may happen repeatedly. As many as 30% of elderly residents with cognitive problems in nursing homes may wander at least one time.
Eisenberg & Baum’s elder law attorneys fight on behalf of elderly victims and their families when a nursing home’s negligence has led to injury or death.
New York City Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers Who Care
Residents with cognitive issues such as Alzheimer’s or dementia are at high risk for leaving nursing homes or assisted care facilities alone. Moreover, patients with cognitive or physical impairments whose needs are neglected or who forget where objects and locations are will be more prone to wandering.
Care facilities have a duty to their elderly residents. There are many things that nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and communities for the elderly can do to minimize risks for their residents:
- Evaluate behavior routinely to identify those at risk
- Proper plan / protocol in place to notify and gather staff for speedy response
- Sufficient training for employees
- Designate and control various living areas
- Environmental cues to help guide patients such as highly visible signs or providing companions
- Alarm system triggered when movement is detected
- Video surveillance cameras
Our New York City nursing home abuse attorneys will hold negligent nursing homes or care facilities responsible if your family member was hurt after wandering or eloping off the premises. We have the experience and skill to gather documentation, expert opinions, witness statements, and other evidence needed to build a case against one of these facilities.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation
If someone you care about was injured in a wandering or elopement accident, you need aggressive legal representation. Contact us today at info@eandblaw.com, complete our online form, or call (212) 353-8700 to speak with an experienced New York nursing home abuse lawyer.
We offer free initial consultations and bill on a contingent fee basis — you won’t have to pay us unless we win your case.
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- NY Phone: (212) 353-8700
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*The firm has a member of the Florida Bar who will meet with potential clients by appointment only.
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