Most people assume that nursing homes are safe, caring and highly managed places where residents are safe from any type of abuse. If you ask any nursing home abuse attorney you will find that this is often not the case. In fact, there are several very common ways that the elderly and disabled individuals in these facilities may be abused by staff, residents, or even other visitors.
If you think that a loved one in a nursing care facility has been or is being abused, there are several steps you can take. Before you do anything you may want to consult with a nursing home abuse attorney to ensure the safety of the resident and to proceed with legal or civil action if appropriate.
What a Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Does
When you first contact a nursing home abuse attorney he will have several questions about the specifics of the case, including if there is documentation of any injuries, if you have witnessed any type of abuse or neglect and if the abused individual has a history of making these types of allegations. The lawyer will also want to know any mental health issues or cognitive impairments of the patient that may be impacting their ability to recount events or to provide information.
Obvious signs of nursing home abuse can include bedsores that are untreated, lack of medical attention for the patient, poor hygiene, unsafe or unhealthy living conditions in the facility, unexplained bruises or fractures, restricting the patient from moving around the facility or interacting with others, and general fear and anxiety in the patient.
Immediate Steps
Your nursing home abuse attorney will also immediately work with you to ensure the safety of your loved one. This can include helping you to file a complaint with the nursing home manager or administrator and reporting to the proper governmental authorities or the Ombudsman’s Office.
This will often provide immediate relief for the resident as the nursing home will be alerted to the fact that they have been reported. Your nursing home abuse attorney will gather information, speak to a variety of people and even coordinate with experts who can help prove that the abuse and neglect occurred. Their efforts will help you to get financial compensation and a better living environment for your loved one.
A nursing home abuse attorney is an important part of getting the help your loved one needs.
