Across Kentucky, people enter drug rehab facilities because they want help breaking the cycle of addiction. But being in treatment doesn’t automatically mean drugs disappear from the picture. And in the worst case scenario, they find their way into the facility itself. That obviously puts everyone at risk, but our team can answer questions about your legal options. Set up a free consultation today.
What Happens if a Rehab Center Fails to Prevent Drug Use On-Site?
You could argue that the most basic responsibility any drug rehab facility has in Kentucky is to make sure that patients don’t have access to drugs. That’s not just an expectation, either. In Kentucky, that’s a legal requirement. The way the facility does it, though, is up to them. But it usually involves:
- Monitoring patient activity
- Going through careful intake assessments
- Maintaining strict access and control of medications and how they’re given out
- Keeping a close eye on visitors and other outside people
Yes, every drug rehab facility is going to have these systems in place. But things can still go wrong. And that could mean that drugs find their way into the facility and patients use them. At that point, the question then becomes, is the rehab facility legally responsible for that?
Can a Rehab Facility Be Legally Responsible for Drug Use On-Site?
In this case, yes. When you or some other patient gets access to and uses drugs on-site, it leads to injuries and, worse, overdoses. And because the rehab facility has the legal duty to keep you and other patients safe, they’re responsible for the ensuing damage.
But it’s not just the facility, others could share responsibility, like:
- Staff members that bring drugs in as contraband
- Security personnel
- Visitors or other patients
Whether you’re the patient or someone you care about is, this kind of scenario is obviously incredibly frustrating. But there are ways that you can move forward.
What Are Your Options if Drugs Are Allowed Inside a Rehab Facility?
It might not feel like it, but a situation where drugs are allowed on-site of your drug rehab facility and you get hurt through using them is still an injury claim. That means you or your family can hold the facility and anyone else accountable for your injuries through:
- Filing an insurance claim
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit
The idea behind either option is helping you recover from your injuries. You get financial support—called damages— that help with your:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost income or reduced earning ability
- Repair or replacement of damaged property
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Reduced quality of life
- Funeral expenses if the situation involved a fatal injury
The reality is that when drugs are allowed inside a rehab facility, the outcome can undo months of recovery work in a matter of seconds. If that’s something you or someone close to you went through, it’s worth exploring your options.
At Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC, our Kentucky drug rehab facility negligence lawyers can explain your options and help you through the process. Set up a free consultation today.
