Inpatient rehabilitation centers are designed to provide patients with the highest level of care, support, and medical treatment as they recover from debilitating conditions or injuries. Rehabilitation facilities often serve as a critical lifeline for individuals and families as they navigate the challenging journey to recovery. Unfortunately, despite the importance of their role, cases of abuse, neglect, and negligence are often reported in inpatient rehabilitation centers throughout Michigan, leading to further injuries and emotional distress for the patients and their families.

In this article, we will explore the various ways injuries commonly arise in inpatient rehabilitation facilities, the importance of working with an experienced inpatient rehabilitation lawyer, and how Olsman MacKenzie Peacock & Wallace can help protect the rights of victims and their families. If you or a loved one have suffered due to abuse, neglect, or negligence in an inpatient rehabilitation center, we encourage you to call our offices today to schedule a free consultation.

Injuries Arising in Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities

Injuries in inpatient rehabilitation centers can be caused by various factors, many of which are due to negligence on the part of the facility or its staff. Some of the most frequent causes of injuries in these centers include:

• Falls. Patients in inpatient rehabilitation centers may be at a higher risk of falls due to their medical conditions, impaired mobility, or the use of assistive devices. Injuries can occur if the facility fails to provide adequate supervision, assistance, or proper safety measures such as grab bars, non-slip flooring, and appropriate footwear.
• Medication errors. Injuries can result from medication errors, such as administering the wrong medication, incorrect dosage, or administering medication to which the patient is allergic. These errors may occur due to miscommunication, improper documentation, or lack of staff training.
• Improper use of medical equipment. Injuries may be caused by the improper use or maintenance of medical equipment, such as wheelchairs, lifts, or other assistive devices. Staff members who are not adequately trained or supervised may cause harm to patients while using or maintaining the equipment.
• Inadequate wound care. Patients in inpatient rehabilitation centers may have wounds that require regular care and attention. Neglecting to provide proper wound care can result in infections, delayed healing, and even life-threatening complications.
• Bedsores or pressure ulcers. Patients who are bedridden or have limited mobility are at risk of developing bedsores or pressure ulcers due to prolonged pressure on their skin. Injuries can occur if the facility fails to provide proper repositioning, adequate padding, and timely care to prevent or treat these sores.
• Inadequate supervision and monitoring. Patients may experience injuries due to inadequate supervision, such as wandering or elopement, which can result in falls, exposure to hazards, or interactions with other patients who may pose a risk to their safety.
• Malnutrition and dehydration. Injuries can result from a lack of proper nutrition or hydration, which can exacerbate existing medical conditions, weaken the immune system, and increase the risk of complications.
• Infections. Infections can occur if the facility does not maintain proper cleanliness and hygiene standards or fails to isolate patients with contagious illnesses. Inadequate infection control can lead to serious injuries or even fatalities.
• Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. Injuries can arise from abusive behavior by staff members, which can manifest as physical harm, emotional trauma, or sexual exploitation.
• Understaffing or inadequate staff training. Insufficient staffing levels or inadequately trained staff can result in substandard care, leading to injuries and complications for patients. Staff members may be overworked, stressed, or lack the necessary skills and knowledge to provide appropriate care.

Addressing these issues and holding inpatient rehabilitation centers accountable for their actions is essential to ensure patient safety and well-being. Victims of such injuries should seek legal representation from an experienced lawyer to protect their rights and seek justice.

Advantages of Working with an Experienced Inpatient Rehabilitation Injury Lawyer

At Olsman MacKenzie Peacock & Wallace, our inpatient rehabilitation injury lawyers bring decades of combined legal experience to the table, ensuring that our clients receive the highest level of representation in their cases. We are well-versed in the intricacies of medical care facility injury matters, having successfully navigated countless situations involving abuse, neglect, and negligence.

Our extensive experience allows us to provide clients with the knowledge and resources necessary to build strong cases, obtain justice, and secure the compensation they deserve. We understand the importance of standing up for the rights of victims and their families, and we are committed to offering compassionate, comprehensive legal representation, including: 

• Legal Expertise. Inpatient rehabilitation cases can be complex and require an in-depth understanding of both medical and legal issues. As experienced inpatient rehabilitation lawyers, we have the expertise to navigate these complexities and identify the relevant laws and regulations that apply to our clients’ cases. We zealously advocate for the rights of rehabilitation injury victims, ensuring they receive the compensation deserved.
• Investigation and Evidence Gathering. A skilled inpatient rehabilitation lawyer can thoroughly investigate your case, gathering crucial evidence to prove abuse, neglect, or negligence on the part of the rehabilitation center or its staff. This may involve reviewing medical records, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with medical experts to establish the nature and extent of the harm suffered.
• Negotiation and Litigation. As experienced inpatient rehabilitation lawyers, we are adept at negotiating with insurance companies and opposing counsel, seeking to ensure injury victims receive a fair settlement for their injuries. If negotiations are unsuccessful, we will not hesitate to take a case to court, presenting a compelling case to a judge or jury in seeking to secure maximum compensation.
• Support and Guidance. The process of pursuing legal action can be emotionally taxing for victims and their families. Working with an experienced inpatient rehabilitation lawyer provides you with the support and guidance needed to navigate the legal process with confidence. We understand the emotional toll these cases can have on clients and work diligently to ease their burden by providing compassionate, personalized legal representation. 

Protect Your Rights – Schedule A Free Consultation With An Experienced Inpatient Rehabilitation Attorney.

If you or a loved one have been the victim of abuse, neglect, or negligence in an inpatient rehabilitation center, it is crucial to seek legal representation from an experienced inpatient rehabilitation lawyer. At Olsman MacKenzie Peacock & Wallace, we are dedicated to protecting the rights of victims and their families, providing the highest level of legal representation in seeking to ensure that justice is served.

Don’t suffer in silence. Contact Olsman MacKenzie Peacock & Wallace today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. We are ready to listen to your story, evaluate your case, and provide you with the guidance and support necessary to hold those responsible for your injuries accountable. Call us now to take the first step toward justice and healing.