Annapolis Elopement & Wandering Injuries Attorney

A serious injury could occur in various ways after an incident of elopement or wandering from a nursing home. These injuries can lead to financial, emotional, and physical trauma for the nursing home resident. A monetary award could be available based on the extent of this trauma. The types of damages recoverable in these cases could include:

Relocation Expenses

Many family members no longer feel as if their loved one is safe after an incident of wandering or eloping. With their trust broken, it is understandable that they would seek out new living arrangements. Unfortunately, relocating a loved one to a different facility comes with a cost. A civil lawsuit could pay for those expenses. 

Medical Bills

When a nursing home resident is injured while wandering, they could seek the cost of their medical care. This could include any treatment made necessary by their injury, including hospital stays, surgical procedures, or physical therapy. 

Pain and Suffering

Injuries from wandering or eloping from a nursing home can be extreme. Often, these wounds can cause lasting physical pain for months or even years after they occur. This is particularly true when an injury leads to nerve damage or head trauma. A nursing home resident could obtain compensation for their pain and suffering. 

Emotional Distress

The prospect of being lost and wandering in or outside a nursing home facility can be distressing for most residents. This emotional trauma can be especially challenging to face when it accompanies physical injuries. Compensation could be available for a nursing home resident’s emotional distress. 

The Difference Between Wandering and Elopement

Wandering and elopement are serious issues that can cause dire consequences for a nursing home resident. That said, there are differences between the two terms. It is helpful for anyone considering legal action after a wandering or elopement incident to understand the difference between the terms.

Both wandering and elopement involve a nursing home resident—typically one with cognitive issues—leaving their room alone. When a resident gets lost, they could encounter dangerous hazards. Wandering occurs when a nursing home resident leaves their room and wanders unsupervised around the nursing home facility. This could include wandering into other patients’ rooms or into restricted areas, such as storage rooms or kitchens. 

Elopement is similar to wandering. Instead of traveling within the facility, elopement occurs when a nursing home resident leaves the facility entirely without anyone accompanying them. This is dangerous, as nursing home residents are often easily lost. There is also the ever-present danger of vehicle collisions to be aware of. The three primary hazards of elopement include getting hurt in an accident (especially a fall), succumbing to the elements, or experiencing a robbery or other violent crime. 

The Dangers of Wandering and Elopement

There are numerous dangers of wandering and elopement to consider. When nursing home residents wander or elope, they face increased risks because of their inability to care for themselves. If a person requires help to the degree that they live in a nursing home, they likely face additional risks when wandering on their own. 

A nursing home resident dealing with cognitive issues could struggle with returning to the nursing home after they elope. They also might not be aware of the risks they face when wandering. 

There are also medical issues to consider. A nursing home resident might need medication or treatments on a strict schedule. Leaving a facility or wandering away from their room could make it impossible for them to get the care they require. 

Contact Brown & Barron online today to schedule a free case review with a with a elopement & wandering lawyer serving Annapolis.