Nursing home abuse is a rising concern in the healthcare industry. Nursing home staff have a responsibility to provide safe and effective care to patients. When they breach their duty of care and harm a patient, they must be held accountable in court for their actions. Negligence, carelessness, or intentional violence can cause multiple injuries to elderly patients, who are often too weak to defend themselves or speak up. For years, I have dedicated my legal career to defending the rights of injured clients. I am passionate about holding individuals responsible for harming others, and will fight diligently on your behalf as you seek justice.
Identifying Nursing Home Abuse
Nursing home abuse may take many forms. Physical abuse involves hitting, punching, kicking, or otherwise assaulting an elderly resident. On the other hand, emotional abuse may involve yelling at, belittling, threatening, or manipulating a patient. Sexual abuse involves unwanted touching, harassing, or raping an elderly nursing home resident.
There are 10 common signs of nursing home abuse you can watch out for:
- Unexplained bruises, welts, or injuries
- Signs of restraints on the wrists
- Broken eyeglasses
- Changes in consciousness (from sedatives or improper medication)
- Unusual behavioral changes
- Fear of particular staff members
- Depression or antisocial behavior
- Difficulty walking or sitting
- Torn or bloody underwear
- Unexplained genital infections or STDs
Your elderly loved one may also suffer medical abuse. This involves using sedatives to put your loved one to sleep for long periods of time so the staff can be lazy and avoid having to care for him or her. Improper use of medication, and using sedatives or restraints, counts as medical abuse. Dizziness, confusion, or unconsciousness can alert you to this situation.
If You Suspect Your Loved One Is Being Abused, You Must Take Immediate Action
Elderly patients are often physically weak and suffer handicaps that prevent them from fighting against abuse. It is important to make regular unannounced visits to ensure the facility is providing proper care and treatment for your family member. Honest communication with him or her is also helpful when determining if abuse has taken place.
If you notice signs of abuse, you should transfer your loved one to a different facility right away. The important thing is to get your loved one out of the facility and to a safe location immediately. You should also notify the nursing home management, and alert the police. Once you file a police report, an investigation will be conducted to determine whether or not abuse or neglect has occurred.
It is also a good idea to contact an experienced nursing home abuse lawyer who can represent you as you pursue justice. Nursing home facilities may want to save face instead standing up for what is right. They may hire attorneys to fight against you and dispute your claim in court. Although you can file a claim on your own, having a lawyer by your side is beneficial.
Hold the Nursing Home Responsible with My Help – Call (888) 295-6566 Today
At The Law Offices of David Henderson, I have represented numerous clients in nursing home abuse lawsuits. I know you are going through a stressful and emotionally difficult time. If you have been a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, you have the right to seek justice in court. I will work diligently for your case to ensure those responsible never hurt anyone else again.
Contact my firm today to receive a free case evaluation. I will relentlessly pursue justice on your behalf.