Experienced Attorneys Protecting the Rights of the Neglected and Abused
The Nursing Home Law Center is committed to providing the legal resources necessary to hold negligent facilities accountable.
Southhaven Mississippi Nursing Home Abuse Neglect Lawyer
Licensed in Mississippi
Thousands of disabled and elderly Americans are abused and neglected in nursing homes every year. This mistreatment can range from physical and sexual violence to psychological and emotional abuse.
Sadly, many residents harmed by nursing home abuse are afraid to speak up about the abuse they’re experiencing for fear of retaliation or because they don’t think anyone will believe them. Were you or someone you love hurt by nursing home abuse? Our personal injury lawyers can help!
The affiliate Mississippi personal injury attorneys at Nursing Home Law Center, LLC, advocate for the rights of nursing home residents who have been abused or neglected. We have a comprehensive understanding of the state’s civil tort law to obtain compensation on behalf of our clients.
Contact our Southhaven nursing home abuse attorneys at (800) 926-7565 (toll-free phone number) or use the contact form today for immediate legal advice and to schedule a free consultation. All confidential or sensitive information you share with our legal team remains private through an attorney-client relationship.
How Prevalent is Nursing Home Abuse?
According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, as many as 5 million elders are abused annually in the United States. Unfortunately, this number is likely much higher because most nursing home abuse cases go unreported.
The organization’s data shows that only one in every 14 nursing home neglect and abuse cases is reported to authorities.
There are many reasons why an injured patient doesn’t report nursing home neglect or abuse. Some are afraid of retaliation by their abuser or the nursing home staff. Others in nursing homes and assisted living facilities might be unable to communicate what’s happening to them or not realize that they’re being abused.
Our attorneys have represented many families in cases involving nursing facilities where residents experienced:
- Bed sores (pressure ulcers)
- Physical assault
- Sexual assault and misconduct
- Neglect
- Financial exploitation
- Verbal and emotional assault
Signs of Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse
Many warning signs might indicate that a loved one is a nursing home abuse or neglect victim. If you notice any of the following health problems, it’s vital to speak to your loved one and obtain more information:
- Fractures or broken bones
- Bruises, cuts, or welts in various stages of healing
- Residents repeatedly falling
- Signs of restraints, such as bruises on the wrists
- Weight loss or dehydration
- Malnutrition
- Bedsores (pressure sores) especially involving patients with mobility issues.
- Poor personal hygiene (commonly, a lack of personal hygiene indicates neglect)
- Sudden changes in behavior, such as withdrawal or agitation
- Depression, anxiety, or emotional distress
- Unexplained change in health that could be due to substandard medical care or neglect
- Unexplained bruises on the breasts or genital area
There are significantly more warning signs of nursing home neglect and abuse that could harm a resident than those stated above. Any sudden change in your loved one’s appearance or behavior could be concerning and warrant further investigation.
Protecting a Loved One From Mistreatment in Nursing Homes
Family members can take numerous steps to ensure their loved one’s safety and well-being. Stay involved with your beloved family member and participate in their daily activities by visiting frequently.
Families should stop by unexpectedly at different times and speak with their loved ones privately to get an honest assessment to determine their level of care.
You, or the injured patient, should also:
- Speak with nursing home staff members and the administrator about your concerns
- Request copies of the facility’s policies and procedures
- Keep a record of any incidents of abuse or neglect with or without physical injuries
- Report any suspicions of nursing home neglect or abuse to the proper authorities
- Contact an experienced nursing home abuse lawyer from our law offices at (800) 926-7565
The decision to place loved ones in nursing homes is never easy. You want to ensure they receive the best possible care in a safe, nurturing environment free of negligence and mistreatment.
Do you suspect your loved one was harmed by nursing home neglect, mistreatment, preventable bed sores, or medical malpractice? Follow the steps above to protect their rights and safety.
Nursing Home Residents Abuse Resources
Do you suspect that your loved one is the victim of nursing home neglect, mistreatment, or abuse? Take action immediately. There are valuable resources that can help nursing home residents, including:
- Contact the facility administrator who may be unaware that their nursing home residents are being mistreated. The administrator operating and managing nursing homes must notify state and federal agencies that a formal complaint has been submitted, alleging mistreatment.
- The Administration for Community Living: This government agency provides resources and support for victims of nursing home neglect, mistreatment, and abuse, as well as their families.
- The Mississippi Department of Health: This state agency is responsible for investigating nursing home neglect and abuse complaints.
- The local Ombudsmen program: This program is designed to protect the rights of the disabled and elderly and investigate complaints of nursing home neglect and abuse.
- The Elder Abuse Hotline: This hotline, operated by the National Center on Elder Abuse, provides 24/7 assistance for victims of nursing home neglect and mistreatment by anyone.
The Laws Governing Nursing Home Abuse in Mississippi
Mississippi has laws protecting nursing home residents from abuse and neglect. These laws are found in the Mississippi Code under Chapter 43, which covers general provisions relating to crimes.
Under Miss. Code Ann. Â43-21-353, it is a crime to commit abuse against anyone, including a nursing home resident. Abuse is “the willful infliction of physical pain, injury, or mental anguish or the willful deprivation by any person including a caretaker of services which are necessary to maintain the health and welfare of an elderly person.”
Nursing home neglect, mistreatment, or abuse is punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. If the injured resident suffers serious bodily injury, the offender can be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison.
In addition to state laws, nursing homes must follow the federal Nursing Home Reform Act, which requires them to provide nursing home residents with quality care in a safe environment. The act also gives each nursing home resident the right to file a complaint if they believe their rights have been violated.
Contact Experienced Southaven Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers
Do you suspect your loved one has been victimized by nursing home neglect or abuse? It is crucial to take immediate steps to stop the mistreatment now!
Contact our experienced north Mississippi nursing home abuse lawyers at Nursing Home Law Center, LLC, to discuss filing a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf. Your nursing home abuse lawyer will investigate the allegations of mistreatment and work tirelessly to hold the Southhaven nursing home accountable.
Any concerned family member can call a nursing home abuse attorney at (800) 926-7565 (toll-free phone number) or use the contact form on our website to schedule a free consultation.
Our law offices accept all nursing home abuse and neglect cases on a contingency fee agreement. This arrangement ensures our clients do not pay any upfront fees until your nursing home abuse and neglect attorney obtains compensation for their claim.
Our affiliate Southhaven nursing home abuse lawyers represent injured residents throughout Mississippi, including Southaven, Tupelo, Biloxi, and Jackson.