Nursing home abuse is a serious and widespread issue that affects millions of older adults each year. In fact, according to the National Center on Elder Abuse, as many as 1 in 10 Americans over the age of 60 report suffering some type of abuse in these facilities. If your loved one has been made a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, hiring the right California nursing home abuse lawyer can make a world of difference. Read on and reach out to our firm to learn more about nursing home abuse, the steps you can take, and how we can help you get the justice you deserve. Here are some of the questions you may have:
What does nursing home abuse typically look like?
Nursing home abuse can take various forms, such as physical, sexual, emotional, psychological, or financial abuse, neglect, or mistreatment. The perpetrators are typically staff members of the facilities, but they can also be other residents or visitors. Signs of abuse or neglect are sometimes hard to detect, especially if the victim is afraid or unable to speak up. That said, some of the most common signs of nursing home abuse to look out for are as follows:
- Injuries like broken bones, bruises, welts, pressure marks, and bedsores
- Depression, confusion, agitation, lack of interest, and withdrawal
- Poor hygiene, rapid weight loss, dehydration, and malnutrition
- Unexplained changes in finances or legal documents
- Possessions mysteriously going missing
- Fear or anxiety around certain people or situations
What steps should I take if I suspect my loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse?
If you suspect that your loved one is being abused or neglected in a nursing home, you should take immediate action to stop the harm and prevent further damage. Here are some of the steps you should take:
- Report the abuse to the facility’s administrator and the Long-Term Care Ombudsman CRISISline at 1-800-231-4024 or the California Department of Public Health
- Contact the local police or Adult Protective Services if you believe the abuse is criminal or life-threatening
- Document the evidence of abuse, such as by taking photographs/videos, and obtaining medical records and witness statements
- Seek medical attention for your loved one’s injuries and emotional distress
- Consult with a nursing home abuse lawyer to explore your legal options
How can a lawyer help?
A nursing home abuse lawyer can help you by providing candid advice, solid representation, and devising a strategy tailored to your case. Your attorney will do the following:
- Investigate the facts and circumstances of the abuse and identify the liable parties
- File a claim or lawsuit against the nursing home facility and its staff for compensation
- Negotiate with the appropriate parties, or, in some cases, take your case to trial if necessary
- Protect your rights throughout the legal process
- Hold the nursing home accountable for its actions and prevent future abuse
Nursing home abuse is a serious violation of human dignity, and those who abuse elders deserve to be held accountable. If you or your loved one has been a victim of nursing home abuse, please don’t hesitate to contact Cowdrey Jenkins, LLP for guidance today.