[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.conradattorneys.com\/blog\/what-the-american-health-foundation-lawsuit-tells-us-about-nursing-home-negligence\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.conradattorneys.com\/blog\/what-the-american-health-foundation-lawsuit-tells-us-about-nursing-home-negligence\/","headline":"What the American Health Foundation Lawsuit Tells Us About Nursing Home Negligence","name":"What the American Health Foundation Lawsuit Tells Us About Nursing Home Negligence","description":"Millions of Americans count on nursing homes to take care of aging and disabled loved ones. Unfortunately, sometimes care in these facilities is substandard. In 2022, the Justice Department filed a False Claims Act complaint against American Health Foundation (AHF), alleging three nursing homes in Pennsylvania, Iowa, and Ohio provided grossly substandard care. The AHF sought dismissal of the suit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. The motion to dismiss was denied on March 21,…<\/span>
Continue Reading ››<\/a><\/div>","datePublished":"2023-03-22","dateModified":"2024-01-12","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.conradattorneys.com\/blog\/author\/conradattorneys1\/#Person","name":"conradattorneys1","url":"https:\/\/www.conradattorneys.com\/blog\/author\/conradattorneys1\/","identifier":3,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/f8017eb4912232d98045130f9c04fad7?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/f8017eb4912232d98045130f9c04fad7?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Thomas, Conrad & Conrad Law Offices","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"http:\/\/www.conradattorneys.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/logo.png","url":"http:\/\/www.conradattorneys.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"http:\/\/www.conradattorneys.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Close-up-of-a-senior-man-gripping-a-cane.jpg","url":"http:\/\/www.conradattorneys.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Close-up-of-a-senior-man-gripping-a-cane.jpg","height":"475","width":"900"},"url":"https:\/\/www.conradattorneys.com\/blog\/what-the-american-health-foundation-lawsuit-tells-us-about-nursing-home-negligence\/","about":["Blog"],"wordCount":817,"articleBody":"Millions of Americans count on nursing homes to take care of aging and disabled loved ones. Unfortunately, sometimes care in these facilities is substandard. In 2022, the Justice Department filed a False Claims Act complaint against American Health Foundation (AHF), alleging three nursing homes in Pennsylvania, Iowa, and Ohio provided grossly substandard care. The AHF sought dismissal of the suit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. The motion to dismiss was denied on March 21, 2023.At Thomas, Conrad & Conrad Law Office, serving clients throughout eastern Pennsylvania, our nursing home negligence lawyers understand the nuances of these types of cases and how challenging they can be to win.\u00a0 We\u2019re happy to see a trend of the government holding facilities accountable for neglect, abuse, and fraudulent billing practices.Allegations Against AHFThe allegations in this nursing home negligence lawsuit, as reported by the U.S. Department of Justice, are disturbing. Specifics of the malpractice these facilities are accused of perpetrating include:Not following infection control protocolsFailing to maintain adequate staffing levelsDirty, pest-infested buildingsFailing to turn, change, and bathe bedridden residentsAdministering unnecessary medications, including antibiotics and psychiatric drugsFailing to secure residents\u2019 possessionsVerbal abuseFailing to provide adequate activities or stimulationNot providing necessary psychiatric careBilling Medicare and Medicaid programs for medically unnecessary care and servicesThe claims in the complaint are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.If you suspect your loved one has been a victim of nursing home negligence or abuse, a family law attorney can assess your case and advise you of any legal options you may have to find justice.Cracking Down on Nursing Home Negligence at Federal and State LevelsThe COVID-19 pandemic brought to light some serious problems in nursing homes all over the country. Since 2020, investigating nursing home negligence has become more of a priority for the federal government, the Pennsylvania Attorney General\u2019s office, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. More transparency and accountability for these facilities are long overdue. Facing civil and, in some cases, criminal penalties for violations will hopefully push the corporate owners and administrators of these facilities to provide better care for residents. It also may have a positive impact on personal injury cases involving nursing home negligence.Signs of Nursing Home Abuse and NeglectIt\u2019s crucial to be vigilant and watch for signs of abuse or neglect of loved ones in nursing homes. Personality and behavior changes can be a strong indicator that something\u2019s not right. Other signs and symptoms of nursing home neglect and abuse include:Bruises, scratches, abrasions, or broken bonesBedsoresMalnutritionRapid weight loss or gainUnsanitary conditionsSlip-and-fall accidentsYour loved one becomes uncommunicative, upset, agitated, or withdrawnReluctance to speak around staff membersHeavy medication or sedationWandering or elopementUnexplained or unreported illness or injuryBleeding or injury in genital areasSTDsThe sudden, unexpected death of a previously healthy personWhat to Do if You Suspect Nursing Home NegligenceIf you are concerned that nursing home malpractice, abuse, or neglect is taking place, don\u2019t wait to address it. Speak to the staff and administration about your concerns. If they are unwilling or unable to give a satisfactory explanation, you will have to take further action. Talk to your loved one and other residents, and make sure to let them know they haven\u2019t done anything wrong and that whatever they tell you is private. If the facility won\u2019t allow you to talk to your loved one alone, you should definitely take action. There is a 24-hour hotline you can call to report elder abuse in Pennsylvania, and you can report a complaint about a nursing home online as well.Speak to a Nursing Home Negligence LawyerThe trauma and pain that abused or neglected nursing home residents endure can have long-lasting effects. Hopefully, the government crackdowns on nursing homes will make it easier to hold these facilities accountable. However, going up against these institutions can be daunting. A nursing home negligence attorney can assess your circumstances and advise you of whether you have cause to pursue compensation for damages in a nursing home abuse lawsuit or wrongful death claim.\u00a0 Hopefully, taking action and holding a facility accountable will not only help you protect your loved one, but it may also save someone else from suffering a similar fate down the road.Contact a Nursing Home Negligence Lawyer in Eastern PAAt Thomas, Conrad & Conrad Law Offices, our compassionate nursing home negligence lawyers and family law attorneys help clients throughout eastern Pennsylvania get the justice and compensation they deserve. With offices in Northampton, Lehigh, Berks, and Monroe counties, we make it convenient to find the quality legal representation you need. To schedule your consultation with a nursing home abuse lawyer, contact us or call\u00a0610-867-2900."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/www.conradattorneys.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"What the American Health Foundation Lawsuit Tells Us About Nursing Home Negligence","item":"https:\/\/www.conradattorneys.com\/blog\/what-the-american-health-foundation-lawsuit-tells-us-about-nursing-home-negligence\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]