Nursing homes and child care facilities are highly regulated. Knowledge of these regulations and where to find information about state inspections and violations is a key to the successful pursuit of these claims.

Such claims can arise from improper staffing, falls, bedsores, poor nutrition, rape, abuse, inattention, disappearance and mistaken medications. No one ever expects a family member or friend to be the victim of abuse in a nursing home. However, incidents of abuse do occur every day and in many ways. Unfortunately, abuse appears to be on the rise as the number of nursing home residents steadily increases due to our rapidly aging population.

What can you do if you know or suspect your loved one has been subjected to elder care neglect or abuse? The most important step is to immediately report the incident or suspicion.

The National Citizens' Coalition for Nursing Home Reform recommends the following information be included in your report:

• The name of the victim, including age and address
• The place, time and date of the incident
• The name of the facility and the people responsible for the victim's care
• The identity of the person who you believe abused or neglected the resident
• The nature and extent of harm and any physical signs of abuse or neglect
• Any previous incidents - what happened?

When someone you care about has been the victim of nursing home abuse, the problems can seem overwhelming. If you or a member of your family was the victim of negligent care or abusive conduct, they may be entitled to compensation.

If you or a loved one have been injured due to the negligence of another person please contact the law firm of Reeder & Nussbaum P.A.