It would appear that elder abuse is an issue that is only gaining steam, as the statistics only worsen with each passing survey. There are about 5 million nursing home residents who are abused in some form each year, according to a report from the National Association of Nursing Home Attorneys. The report also notes that only 1 out of every  14 abuse cases is documented correctly. 

When patients are abused at Seattle nursing facilities, there are multiple parties who can be held responsible for victims’ injuries, such as an individual abuser, the owners or administrators of the facility, or even outside parties. 

Facility Liability 

Any investigation of a nursing home abuse claim will begin by taking a look into the practices of the employees and owners of a given facility. There are numerous violations of health and safety protocols that nursing homes can be punished for, including explicit abuse or harm, mishandling or errant distribution of medication, unsafe conditions, inadequate monitoring of care, cruel or improper use of restraints or sedatives, irresponsible hiring and training practices, and much more. 

Outside Liability 

There is a bevvy of medical equipment in every nursing facility, and nearly every patient uses some kind of ambulatory device, oxygen tank, or regulator. This means that it is very likely that patients will experience a malfunction of some kind, and if a defect causes harm or injury, the product manufacturer may be found liable in a defective product suit. Additionally, if there is a malfunction with a piece of equipment that is regularly serviced, such as a hydraulic lift, the maintenance company may be deemed responsible.