Who can we talk to about our rights being violated from hospital?

Question

My grandmom has been in the hospital for 1 year and 5 months, she has a trek in her throat, she was transported there back in Feb, 09 by a nursing home she was in, the hospital sent her back and the nursing home the next day the nursing home sent her back. My aunt had power of attorney until the hospital took her to court, claiming she wasn't doing everything she can to get my grandmom medicaid, when she did, my aunt even took the papers to court with her stating that Medicaid was satisfied with what she gave, and they are waiting for someone to submit the application, but the judge still gave temp power of attorney to the hospital and some lawyer that is on behalf of my grandmom that they appointed. They were suppose to give a report Feb. 8, 2010 but never did, they want her out the hospital so bad that she is still in there, and she is being neglected. when my aunt goes she takes pictures, and we have documentation of everything thats been said on the hospitals end, pictures and all, the lies they have told and everything. We have been to about six lawyers, talked to alms budsmen, and whoever we could about this, but it seems we can't get any help and the lawyers know the lawyer on behalf of my grand mom, everywhere we turn we can get know help, we feel we have been discriminated against, disrespected, ignored, all we want is for the hospital and those envolved held accountable for lying and also to know why my grand mom is still in the hospital, and the are basically abusing her and there is nothing we can do about it. Where can we go for help and we are not the only ones, when this first went down, I searched online to see if there were any suits against this hospital for being unethical and came across a class action suit that they have against them for lying, manipulating, bullying. Also we reported the hospital to the insurance company, then right after that they sent a letter stating that they have temp guardianship over my grand mom, then another letter came stating that my aunt had to go to court, on the basis of neglect, they said they did not have a number for my aunt or any other members in the family, when they had my aunts phone number and my uncles phone number, and also my aunt and uncle always goes up to see my grand mom.
can you help us find someone who can help us, or tell me do we have a civil rights case, or a case at all, and where we can find someone to help us.

Answer 1

The judge doesn't grant a temporary guardian for no reason so there's more to this story than you're letting on. Was your aunt spending your grandmother's check? That's usually what happens.



If you've been to the ombudsman, an independent patient right's advocate, and they wouldn't do anything then that's probably because you're in the wrong. If you've been to six attorneys and they won't do anything, it's probably because you're in the wrong - attorneys love these kinds of cases if the plaintiff is right. If your aunt has to go to court because of an allegation of neglect, then she's probably the one in the wrong.



You haven't said anything specific that the hospital has done wrong here but there are a lot of indications that everybody in the world that's involved in this case is siding against your family. That's a good sign that your family is in the wrong somewhere. Sorry, that's just how it looks to an outsider.



EDIT: Some of the other advice here is terrible. Calling the media will not work because your story is very common and it doesn't sound like there's anything newsworthy anyway. If she had bedsores that went down to the bone that might be something, but getting a court-appointed guardian isn't illegal or unethical. If you start picketing the hospital then you'll just look crazy and you won't be allowed to visit your grandmother at all. The temporary guardian will become a permanent guardian and you'll all get restraining orders against you.

Answer 2

you need to contact the State. Listen, Nursing Homes and Hosp's have to have survey's done annually. YOu need to complain to the state of the neglect. Here's why you're grandmother is being neglected (this pisses me off..and this why i don't believe in gov control healthcare!) No, hosp or Nursing HOme wants Medicaid patients b/c Medicaid doesn't pay period. So basically they're giving services for free. She's being neglected b/c they're paying to much outta pocket to take care of her. I know this is horrible but it is what it is.



Contact the State (not county or city) but STATE health dept and ask to speak with the person that oversees that region. Then try to get a lawyer to is away from that region of your state. it can be "bad press" for some lawyers to go against the government...that's why they don't want to take your case. Plus if you have no money...well they're not gonna take your case either. This is where the state will step in.]



Also, contact the newpapers and Fox 6 or whatever local news station does these type of stores. If you give the hosp and nursing home "bad press" they'll shape up else they'll loose residents. SEriously...go to the media.

Answer 3

Sounds like there are a few injustices and real abuse here. If any law firms or attorneys don't seem to be interested, try a state or city attorney as well as any agency that regulates nursing homes and/or hospitals. I would also make an appeal to your local news channel and newspapers. They often do exposes and investigative reporting on newsworthy issues. Your aunt should find legal counsel, also. You may want to try another hospital, nursing home to keep your grand mom safe and better cared for, while continuing to document, fight, speak out, etc. I would even consider making signs stating your complaints and concerns and picket in front of the hospital, as this may light a fire under their behinds to take care of your demands.

Answer 4

no idea