Utah Patient Wandering Lawyers

Fighting for Victims of Nursing Home Negligence & Their Families

The safety and well-being of senior loved ones in nursing homes is a significant concern for families nationwide. Unfortunately, nursing home neglect and abuse are more common than we think, often due to understaffing, poor management, poor training of staff, and other problems. Furthermore, incidents stemming from this negligence and abuse are notoriously underreported. 

Patient wandering, known as “patient elopement,” indicates negligence in nursing home facilities. It refers to the unauthorized departure of a resident from a facility. This occurs when a patient wanders off or leaves the premises without staff knowledge or consent. This can put the resident’s life at risk, a clear sign of inadequate supervision and care within the facility.

At Elder Care Injury, we focus our entire practice on protecting nursing home residents' rights and best interests and fighting against negligence and mistreatment. If you believe your loved one has been victimized as a nursing home resident, whether through patient elopement or other incidents, you can count on our skilled trial lawyers for aggressive representation in claims and lawsuits to hold the responsible parties accountable.

We offer free initial consultations with a Utah patient elopement attorney. Call Elder Care Injury at (801) 997-5019 or reach us via our online contact form. 

Causes & Manifestation of Patient Elopement

Many residents of nursing homes have dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Their cognitive dysfunction includes confusion with time or place, thus making it difficult for them to understand where they find themselves or how they got there. This puts them at high risk for wandering as a form of escape from their unfamiliar surroundings so that they can “go home.” 

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, up to 60 percent of individuals with dementia or Alzheimer’s wander off in patient elopement. Unfortunately, this puts them at risk of becoming lost or exposed to harsh weather, falls, injuries, or encounters with harmful individuals. In extreme examples, patients have died due to prolonged cold weather exposure, drowning, and car accidents. 

At its worst, patient elopement results in hours or days of fear and trauma for patients and their families. These incidents can have long-lasting effects on the resident’s mental well-being. 

Patient elopement often occurs in nursing homes due to understaffing, inadequate training, poor security measures, improper resident monitoring, and communication breakdowns. It can indicate negligence by the nursing home regarding the patient’s safety. When a nursing home fails to prevent elopement or respond promptly, it disregards its residents' well-being.

What Can Family Members Do?

Acting is crucial if you suspect your loved one may be at elopement risk or has already experienced it. Document any instances of elopement, gather evidence, and report the incident to the nursing home administration. If necessary, contact local authorities to ensure your loved one's safety. Additionally, it is advisable to consult with an experienced nursing home abuse lawyer.

How Elder Care Injury Can Assist 

At Elder Care Injury, we understand the distressing situations of negligence you and your loved ones may face. Our dedicated team of nursing home abuse lawyers is committed to seeking justice for victims of patient elopement and holding negligent facilities accountable. We have extensive experience handling elder abuse cases and have fought for our clients' rights in countless injury claims. 

If you suspect your loved one has been a victim of patient elopement or any form of nursing home negligence, don't hesitate to contact us. Discuss your concerns with one of our experienced attorneys to determine the best course of action. Protect your loved ones and ensure they receive the care and respect they deserve.

Contact Elder Care Injury online or by calling (801) 997-5019 today.