In response to reports of widespread neglect and abuse in nursing homes in the ‘80’s, legislation was enacted that specifies a nursing home must provide services and activities to attain or maintain the highest physical, mental and psychosocial well-being of each resident. These regulations cover sufficient nursing staff, comprehensive care plans, proper medical and psychological supervision and other areas of care and concern.

If you know someone who was injured in a nursing home you have several remedies. First, collect as much evidence as possible about how the person who was injured, including pictures of both the patient and the surroundings. You may call the Oregon Department of Health and file a complaint with state Licensing and Certification. This agency should issue a citation against the facility, impose a fine and require corrective action.

After the accident itself, the second most traumatic event when injured in a car crash is navigating the confusing road blocked world of filing an insurance claim. As the injured party, you may be faced with dealing with both your own insurance company as well as that of the person who caused the accident. Just when you are at your most vulnerable, hurt, in shock and confused, you will be asked to make decisions and take actions that may affect the rest of your life.

The actions you must take after an accident are 1) seek medical attention, 2) call the police, 3) notify security if the accident occurs on private property, 4) give the authorities complete and accurate information, 5) ask for a written report and get the identifying number, 6) get the names, addresses and driver’s information of other involved parties, including license number, and 7) notify your insurance company.

The insurance companies have lawyers working hard on their side, and you deserve no less.

The Drivers Role in Pedestrian Safety

http://www.odot.state.or.us/transafety/images/PED_Brochure_Pg_1.jpg

http://www.odot.state.or.us/transafety/images/PED_Brochure_Pg_2.jpg

The Revised Hours-of-Service Regulations

http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/Home_Files/revised_hos.asp

Driving Safely While Aging Gracefully

http://www.usaaedfoundation.org/auto/as02.asp