Tennessee Nursing Home Negligence Lawsuit Caps
Although the nursing home industry was pushing for a cap on damages in Tennessee nursing home neglect lawsuits, the state legislator failed to pass the proposed bill out of a House subcommittee this week. If the bill had been passed and ultimately enacted as law, it would have been a major setback for the protection of elderly and ill nursing home residents in Tennessee, as it would have removed much of the incentive for facilities to provide quality care.
>>INFORMATION: Nursing Home Negligence
The nursing home negligence lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. investigate potential lawsuits for injuries caused by neglect and abuse at facilities throughout the United States, and most injuries can be tied to a nursing home’s desire to place profits above patient safety.
Especially for large nursing home chains, removing the threat that they will be subject to large damages awards will result in lower staffing levels, less supervision, poorer care and more injuries like nursing home bedsores, dehydration, malnutrition and wrongful death.
Advocates for tort reform have made in-roads in many states to limit injury victims’ ability to pursue full compensation for injuries caused by the negligence of another. Nursing home lawsuits not only help provide compensation for those injured by neglect or abuse, but also act as an important safe guard in our society to ensure that proper standards are followed in the nursing home industry and that the cost of compromising patient safety can not viewed as a line-item on a balance sheet.
Tennessee house Bill 2243, dubbed the “Kill Old People Cheap Act”, reached a deadlock vote of 3-3 before the House Civil Practice and Procedure Subcommittee Tuesday. While it is technically still alive this legislative session, the sponsors of the bill have acknowledged that it is likely dead for this year. However, friends and family members of Tennessee nursing home residents can certainly expect the issue to be raised again in the future. They should let their position on this legislation be heard by their local elected officials to drown out the disproportionately loud voice given to the nursing home industry and insurance lobbyists.
NURSING HOME NEGLIGENCE ATTORNEYS
If you suspect that an injury suffered by a friend or family member was caused by nursing home negligence, contact our attorneys to request a free consultation and claim evaluation.
