Elder mistreatment is an issue that only continues to worsen, as abuse numbers tend to increase at every new survey. According to the National Association of Nursing Home Attorneys, about 5 million elderly residents are abused each year in some form. Sadly, only about 1 out of every 14 cases of abuse is actually reported to the proper authorities. 

When abuse happens in Washington nursing facilities, multiple parties can be held as liable, including the perpetrator(s) themselves, the facility owners and administrators, or certain outside parties. 

Nursing Home Liability

When elderly residents are abused, the facility owners and employees are the first suspects to be considered. Nursing homes can be held responsible for a number of different violations, such as direct harm or assault, insufficient care or monitoring, erroneous handling or distribution of medication, hazardous conditions, negligent or unsafe hiring and training of employees, overuse of sedation or restraints, improper food and nutrition, and more. 

Third Party Liability

If a resident’s injuries are caused by defective equipment or products, such as a motorized lift, walker, wheelchair, or bed, then the product’s manufacturer can be held liable under a defective product claim. In addition, any maintenance crew that is responsible for inspecting and repairing this equipment may be found negligent, in the event that the equipment malfunctions and injures your loved one.