Children of nursing home residents who have been abused can feel helpless and unsure of how to seek justice for their parents. One key step is medical record keeping, and it can be crucial to investigating and prosecuting nursing home abuse cases. As a child of a nursing home resident, do you know how medical records can help establish a case of abuse?
Examples of medical records
Medical records that are relevant to your case can include admission records, doctor’s orders, medication administration records and incident reports. These can provide information about the nursing home abuse your parent experienced.
Consequences of incomplete records
Having incomplete medical records can have serious consequences. Without your parent’s complete medical records, it can be challenging to identify patterns of abuse. Incomplete records can also make it difficult to establish a timeline of events, which is critical to building a case against the nursing home and other liable parties.
The importance of accuracy
Therefore, it is essential to keep complete and accurate records of your parent’s medical history and treatment. This includes keeping track of all medications and doctor’s appointments as well as seeking and verifying detailed reports on incidents of abuse. Having accurate records may help you pursue the care and fair compensation your parent needs.
Types of damages available
You may seek compensation for your parent for economic damages like medical expenses and noneconomic damages such as pain and suffering. In some cases, you may be able to seek punitive damages, but the courts do not award these all the time. A court may award punitive damages to punish the nursing home for their malicious, oppressive or reckless behavior and deter similar misbehavior.
Advocating for your parent’s rights
By keeping records of your parent’s medical history and treatment, you can help protect their health and well-being. However, going through the legal process can be daunting and challenging. With legal counsel, you may better advocate for your parent’s rights and pursue the justice they deserve.