Tampa Lawyers for Negligent Use of Restraints and Sedation

Nursing homes have been continuously found to use sedation and restraints for reasons other than the safety of the resident and others. When restraints or sedation is used on a resident of a nursing home in order to control them, punish them, or make the jobs of the nursing home staff members easier, this is considered a form of abuse. In addition, only physicians who suggest sedation and restraints on a patient can tell the nursing home to do it, and in that case, the individual that does it must be certified, trained, and experienced in order to prevent harming the resident during the procedure. A lot of damages can come to a resident that is restrained and restricted of their freedom. They may suffer emotional distress and even physical problems like muscular atrophy. Also, residents who are consuming certain medications might have a negative reaction to the drug given to them for sedation.

There are many risks associated with sedation and restraints, especially if it is done with malicious intent and not for the purpose intended for.  If it is found that a resident was injured during either sedation or restraints in a negligent manner, then the nursing home facility might be held liable for the damages caused to the resident. Negligent use of sedation and restraints attorneys in Tampa have seen how severely injured and how a resident’s current health condition can deteriorate as a result. Sadly, this form of abuse is taking place more and more. Residents are living in the midst of abuse and neglectful individuals.

What to Watch Out For With Sedation and Restraints

Employees of the nursing home and family members and friends of the residents have a great responsibility and that is watching out for their loved one. Signs of sedation and the use of restraints may present themselves. Once these signs have been determined, quick intervention needs to occur. Here are some signs to watch out for:

• Wrists, ankles, or chest area having bruises consistent with restraints
• The bed of the resident having straps or belts around it
• Lack of focus of the resident
• Resident being constantly exhausted
• Wheelchair of resident having bars

Information on Nursing Home Sedation and Restraint Use

• Every 6 residents per 10 residents are being given psychiatric drugs
• 30% of the nursing home population is taking a potent antipsychotic drug

Your Freedom and Health Are Important

Nobody likes to be confined, especially when such confinement can cause health issues to surface. Negligence with sedation and restraints in nursing homes is an ethical and legal issue. The firm of Percy Martinez in Tampa for sedation and restraint negligence has been in charge of helping a number of victims through this horrific event and continue to do so.