It is a tragic reality that nursing home abuse and neglect occur far too frequently. When families entrust their loved ones to these facilities, they do so with the expectation that they will receive proper care, attention, and compassion.
Unfortunately, this is not always the case.
The consequences of nursing home abuse and neglect can be devastating, resulting in physical, emotional, and financial harm to vulnerable individuals. Family members must be vigilant and aware of the signs of abuse and neglect, such as unexplained injuries, poor hygiene, depression, and financial problems.
It is also essential for family members to take action and seek legal help when abuse or neglect is suspected or confirmed.
Speaking with a nursing home abuse attorney, families can hold negligent nursing homes accountable and pursue justice for their loved ones. These attorneys have the knowledge and experience necessary to navigate the legal system and fight for the rights of their clients.
They can help families pursue compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other losses caused by nursing home abuse or neglect.
No one should have to suffer abuse or neglect in a nursing home. If you suspect your loved one is a victim of abuse or neglect, don’t hesitate to contact a nursing home abuse attorney for help.
Together, you can take steps to protect your loved one and hold the responsible parties accountable.
What Is Elder Abuse?
Elder abuse is defined as any intentional harm caused to a vulnerable adult. The most common forms of elder abuse include:
- Physical abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Emotional abuse or intimidation
- Neglect
- Abandonment
- Financial abuse
Common Signs of Elder Abuse and Neglect
Sometimes it is difficult to tell if abuse is happening to your loved one. Some of the more common signs that something is wrong include the following:
- Unexplained injuries to your loved one. Noticeable bruising. Frequent visits to the doctor for injuries
- Gaunt appearance and chapped lips. This indicates that your loved one is dehydrated and may not receive enough nourishment.
- The onset of depression, anxiety, or acting strangely when nursing home employees enter the room. This can indicate emotional or physical abuse.
- Bed sores. Bed sores indicate that your loved one is not receiving proper care. Also, look for signs of poor hygiene; this can indicate neglect.
- Financial problems start happening for your loved one, like missed payments, large withdrawals, and other unexplained issues.
- Sexual abuse is harder to tell but look for signs, including the onset of an STD.
- Self-neglect. A person can react to abuse by stopping caring for themselves.
Who Is Responsible For Nursing Home Abuse?
Nursing homes have a Duty of Care to provide a safe setting for medical care for all patients. They are responsible for the actions of anyone on the premises that can cause harm to their patients, including staff, vendors, and even guests visiting other patients.
Nursing home management and owners also have a duty to:
- Conduct background checks on employees
- Ensure all employees have proper qualifications and training
- Monitor actions of the staff
- Ensure there is enough staff on-site at all times to provide care to patients.
- Make sure security measures are in place for the property and the patients
- Make sure the facility is maintained and kept clean
- Monitor actions of staff to ensure that patients are being treated right
Nursing homes are held to many rules and regulations on the federal and state level. Failure to comply with all laws is also a failure of their duty of care to their patients.
If you suspect your loved one has been abused at a nursing home or nursing facility, it is important to contact a nursing home abuse attorney.
Why Hiring A Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Matters
It is hard to describe the disgust a person feels when they realize that their loved one has been harmed by the people who were supposed to provide them with care. This is an issue that should never be overlooked.
If you suspect that your loved one is being abused in a nursing home, it will be in their best interest for you to contact a nursing home attorney.
Your attorney will notify the proper state authorities of the suspected abuse so that an official investigation can begin. This is necessary to protect your loved one and part of your lawsuit.
Every state has an Adult Protective Services department that is part of their Health and Human Services. It may be called by similar names depending on the state. This department manages claims against nursing homes so that they can conduct an investigation. This department can press criminal charges against these facilities and their employees if they find criminal activity or neglect.
Your attorney will use the information from the investigation as evidence for your case. This will help prove that negligence occurred and that your loved one suffered.
Reporting nursing home abuse protects your loved one and helps protect everyone in the facility. This is why it is important to report any signs of abuse or neglect to the proper authorities.
Do You Need To Contact A Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer?
If you need to speak with a nursing home abuse attorney about your loved one, click “Find a Lawyer.” We will connect you with an attorney in your city that can help you pursue justice for your loved one.
In Summary
Nursing home abuse is a serious problem affecting some of society’s most vulnerable members. Elder abuse takes many forms, including physical, emotional, sexual, and financial abuse and neglect. Families trust nursing homes to provide their loved ones with much-needed care, but sometimes this trust is misplaced, and the care provided leads to harm.
When nursing home abuse occurs, victims can seek compensation for their injuries and losses. It is essential to report any signs of abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities. Families are encouraged to protect their loved ones by speaking with a nursing home abuse attorney.
Hiring a nursing home abuse attorney matters because they have the expertise and knowledge to investigate and build a strong case against the nursing home facility and its employees. They will work with you to ensure that your loved one is protected and that the responsible parties are held accountable.
It is important to remember that reporting nursing home abuse protects your loved one and helps protect everyone in the facility. Families must be vigilant in watching for signs of abuse and neglect and take action immediately to ensure the safety and well-being of their loved ones.