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.
Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
As we entrust our elderly loved ones to nursing homes’ care, we hope they will receive the attention and support they need. However, the reality is that not all nursing home facilities provide the quality medical care we expect.
Shockingly, our vulnerable loved ones can fall victim to nursing home abuse, which can have severe physical, emotional, and even deadly consequences.
Is your beloved family member the victim of nursing home neglect or abuse? The personal injury attorneys at Nursing Home Law Center, LLC, legally advocate for nursing home victims.
Contact our nursing home abuse lawyers at (800) 926-7565 or use the contact form to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case. All confidential or sensitive information you share with our legal team remains private through an attorney-client relationship.
What Is Nursing Home Abuse and Why Does it Occur?
Sadly, elder abuse and neglect occur far too frequently in today’s society. Nursing home patients are among the most vulnerable groups, often requiring specialized care and assistance with daily living activities.
Unfortunately, some staff members in these facilities take advantage of their positions of power, causing harm to the elderly individuals under their care. Data shows that abuse in nursing homes is at an all-time high.
Definition and Forms of Nursing Home Abuse
Abusive behavior takes many forms, including physical, emotional, financial, and sexual abuse.
- Physical abuse involves using force to cause harm, such as hitting or restraining a nursing home resident.
- Emotional abuse includes verbal and nonverbal actions that cause the nursing home resident emotional harm, such as intimidation or isolation.
- Sexual abuse involves any sexual contact without the resident’s consent.
- Financial abuse involves missing cash or the unauthorized or illegal use of a resident’s funds or property for personal gain.
Factors Contributing to Nursing Home Abuse
Several factors contribute to elder abuse, including understaffing, lack of training, and poor management. Some staff may also have a history of abusive behavior, while others may be overwhelmed by the job demands.
Furthermore, residents with conditions such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease are at risk of abusive behavior, emotional abuse, mistreatment, financial abuse, and neglect, as they may not be able to communicate or advocate for themselves.
It’s essential to understand the signs and risk factors of abuse to protect our loved ones and prevent future incidents of abuse.
The consequences can be severe and even deadly when nursing home neglect goes unnoticed. The warning signs of nursing home neglect are often subtle, making it challenging to detect and address the issue before it’s too late.
The Consequences of Nursing Home Negligence
Neglect can lead to several severe injuries and health conditions that can compromise the health and well-being of the disabled or elderly person, including:
- Malnutrition and dehydration
- Bedsores and other skin infections
- Falls and broken bones
- Pneumonia and other respiratory infections
- Worsening of existing medical conditions
- Depression and other mental health issues
In extreme cases, neglect can even lead to death. It’s crucial for family members and loved ones to be aware of the signs of nursing home neglect and to take action to prevent it.
Detecting and Preventing Nursing Home Neglect
Several steps can be taken to detect and prevent nursing home neglect, including:
- Visiting frequently and observing the disabled or elderly individual for any signs of neglect
- Communicating with staff and management
- Reporting any suspected elder abuse or neglect immediately
- Choosing nursing home facilities with high ratings and positive reviews that treat every disabled and elderly person with respect and dignity
- Speaking with staff about their policies and training on poor care and abuse and neglect prevention
By taking these steps and being aware of the warning signs of neglect, we can help prevent serious injuries and even death from occurring in residents.
Nursing Home Abuse Statistics: Prevalence and Types of Abuse
Elder abuse is a pervasive issue affecting many elderly people in the United States. Unfortunately, many cases of elder abuse go unreported, making it difficult to get a clear picture of the true extent of the problem. Despite this, the available statistics are alarming.
Prevalence of Elder Abuse Involving Nursing Home Residents
According to the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA), approximately 10% of nursing home patients experience abuse or neglect. This statistic is likely to be underestimated, as many cases of abuse go unreported.
Additionally, elderly people who have experienced abuse are at risk of premature death. Other statistics include:
- The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) estimate that more than 1.3 million Americans live in nursing homes.
- The National Council on Aging reports that approximately 1 in 10 elderly Americans have experienced some form of elder abuse.
- The NCEA estimates that only 1 in 14 elder abuse cases are reported to authorities.
- According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), up to 24% of nursing residents have experienced physical abuse from staff.
- The CDC also reports that up to 43% of nursing home patients have experienced psychological abuse.
Preventing Nursing Home Abuse
The thought of a loved one experiencing abuse or neglect is scary and distressing. Fortunately, some steps can be taken to prevent abuse and ensure that our elderly relatives receive the care and respect they deserve.
Risk Factors for Elder Abuse
Certain risk factors increase the likelihood of elder abuse, including understaffing, poor training, and inadequate management. Additionally, elderly individuals with conditions such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease are at an increased risk of abuse, mistreatment, and neglect.
Identifying the Warning Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
To prevent nursing home abuse, it’s crucial to be aware of the signs and symptoms of abuse, mistreatment, and neglect. The warning signs can include unexplained weight loss, broken bones, sudden changes in behavior or mood, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Preventative Measures
Several preventative measures can be taken to protect an elderly person from abuse, such as:
- Reporting any suspected abuse or neglect immediately
- Choosing nursing facilities with high ratings and positive reviews
- Checking for signs of healthcare fraud or financial exploitation
- Speaking with staff about their policies and training on abuse prevention
By taking these preventative measures, we can reduce the risk of elder abuse and ensure that our elderly loved ones receive the care and support they need in their later years.
Filing Wrongful Death Lawsuits Due to Abuse
When loved ones die due to neglect or abuse in nursing homes, it can be an incredibly traumatic and overwhelming experience for family members. Filing a wrongful death lawsuit can be a way to seek justice for your loved one.
Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit
Here are some things to keep in mind when considering filing a wrongful death lawsuit:
- Contact a personal injury attorney with experience in elder abuse cases
- Gather evidence, such as medical records or witness statements
- Prepare to prove that the nursing home’s negligence or abuse caused the death of your loved one
- Consider the potential compensation, which may include funeral and burial costs, loss of income, and pain and suffering
Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney from Nursing Home Law Center
If you suspect your loved one has been a victim of elder abuse or neglect, taking action as soon as possible is essential. One of the best ways to seek justice and hold the responsible parties accountable is to hire a personal injury attorney specializing in elder abuse cases.
Benefits of Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney
Here are some of the benefits of hiring a personal injury attorney from our law firm:
- We have experience and knowledge in elder abuse, neglect, and mistreatment cases
- Our attorneys can guide you through the legal process and ensure that your rights are protected
- We can help gather evidence and build a strong case
- Our lawyers can negotiate with insurance companies and facilities to reach a fair settlement
- They can represent you in court and fight for the compensation you deserve
If you suspect your loved one has been abused, don’t hesitate to contact our personal injury attorney at (800) 926-7565 or use the contact form to discuss your legal options. We can provide the support and guidance you need to seek justice and hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions.