When a loved one suffers an injury in a nursing home, the path to justice can start with robust evidence. Building a solid legal case requires swift action and careful documentation. Do you know which critical documents you must secure right away?
Key documents that can prove negligence
To begin building a nursing home negligence claim, you need to gather records that directly speak to the facility’s care and potential failures. These documents can include the following:
- Medical and nursing records: These records include all physician’s orders, nursing notes, care plans and lab results. They can show when the injury, such as a bedsore, was first noted and how the staff responded to the changing condition of the resident.
- Billing and financial statements: These can show the dates of stay and the services billed, which can provide context on the level of care promised versus the care delivered. These can also help calculate the financial damages suffered due to the injury.
- Photos and videos: Visual evidence of the injury itself, like a pressure ulcer, and the scene of an accident, such as a loose rug or malfunctioning call button, can be crucial. Digital files can also preserve the time and date stamp of the evidence.
- Mandatory report to authorities: Secure a copy of the official report that you filed with relevant state authorities, such as the Wyoming Adult Protective Services (APS).
Having such evidence available can allow a legal team to quickly assess the merits of the case and begin the formal investigation process.
Fighting for fair compensation
Protecting your loved one’s rights after suffering from nursing home negligence can be overwhelming. By seeking legal advice, you may collect and preserve evidence to tell the complete story of your loved one’s care. In addition, having legal guidance may help you better navigate the complex legal process and fight for fair compensation.
