Phoenix Nursing Home Injury Attorneys
Attorney Representation in Phoenix Arizona Since 1996
Physical and Chemical Restraints Injuries
Under the Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987, staff can only physically or chemically restrain nursing home residents for the purposes of protecting the restrained individual or other nursing home residents. Additionally, a doctor must order and fully document this measure. It is against the law for the nursing home staff to restrain residents as a form of punishment or just for convenience. Despite this, workers in these facilities continue to restrain residents illegally and unnecessarily, which often leads to injury.
Physical Restraint Injuries
Physical restraints restrict an individual's movement in some way. Physical restraints commonly used in nursing homes include:
- Wrist and ankle restraints
- Hand mitts
- Bed rails
- Vests tied to beds or chairs
Nursing home injuries often occur when residents fall while trying to climb over bedrails. When a resident tries to get out of bed with bed rails used in conjunction with other restraints, potential injuries include strangulation and suffocation. Such injuries may even kill the resident.
Chemical Restraint Injuries in Nursing Home
In nursing homes, psychoactive drugs are the most common types of chemical restraints given to residents who are uncooperative or restless. Using these types of drugs in such an unethical manner can have devastating consequences. Because of chemical restraints, the patient may do any of the following:
- Become confused
- Become disoriented
- Be unable to carry out the tasks of daily living
- Become agitated
- Experience an overall decrease in quality of life
If you suspect that nursing home staff used chemical or physical restraints improperly, it's crucial to take action. Phoenix nursing home chemical restraint injuries can vastly reduce residents' quality of life while Arizona nursing home physical restraint injuries can cause death. The Arizona nursing home injury lawyers at Breyer Law Offices, P.C. will not only fight to make sure you receive compensation, but will also help safeguard the rights of your loved one and other vulnerable nursing home residents. Contact these Phoenix nursing home injury attorneys right away for a free case evaluation.
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