When a loved one lives in a nursing home, families trust that their elderly family member will be well-cared for and protected. However, the unfortunate reality is that elder abuse and neglect is a nationwide pervasive problem in nursing homes. When such abuse or neglect occurs, it can be difficult for families to know how to proceed. This is where a nursing home abuse lawyer can help.
If you suspect your loved one is being mistreated in a nursing home, it is essential to take action immediately. Here are some situations in which hiring a nursing home abuse lawyer may be necessary:
This can include unexplained:
If you notice any signs of physical abuse or neglect, it is vital to seek legal help immediately.
Emotional abuse can be just as damaging as physical abuse. If your loved one is being yelled at, humiliated, or intimidated by staff members, this can severely impact their well-being. A nursing home abuse lawyer can help you determine whether emotional abuse occurs and take appropriate legal action.
Unfortunately, some nursing home staff members abuse vulnerable residents by stealing their money or property. If you suspect that this has happened to your loved one, a nursing home abuse lawyer can help you pursue legal action to recover their losses.
Nursing home residents have certain rights, including the right to be free from abuse, the right to privacy, and the right to receive adequate medical care. If the nursing home has violated your loved one's rights in any way, a nursing home abuse lawyer can help you hold them accountable.
If your loved one is not receiving the care they need, it may be due to understaffing, inadequate training, or other issues within the nursing home. A nursing home abuse lawyer can help you investigate the situation and take legal action to ensure your loved one receives the care they deserve.
Most nursing home abuse lawyers work on contingency. Contingency means you are not charged anything unless you win a settlement in or out of court. This fee structure ensures your lawyer works hard for your case and that you don't have even more out-of-pocket expenses during a stressful time.
Nursing home abuse refers to any form of mistreatment or neglect of a resident in a long-term care facility. This can include:
Physical abuse can include:
Emotional abuse can include:
Sexual abuse can include any unwanted sexual contact or advances towards a resident.
Financial exploitation can include stealing or misusing a resident’s money or property.
Neglect can include failing to provide a resident with necessary care or medical attention.
If you suspect your loved one is being abused in a nursing home, taking action immediately is vital. Contact the nursing home administrator and report your concerns. If you believe your loved one is in immediate danger, call 911.
You can pursue many types of damages in a nursing home abuse lawsuit. Some of those are:
Economic damages are losses that arise from an injury or harm to another’s property, business, or finances. Economic damages include:
Non-economic damages are types of damages in personal injury cases that cannot be quantified or measured. These include:
Punitive damages are a type of legal damages that a court will award to punish the wrongdoer for egregious misconduct or to set an example for other potential violators. They are generally in addition to any other compensatory damages that were awarded.
Special damages, also known as consequential damages, do not occur directly from a breach but are considered a consequence of that breach. They include economic losses such as lost profits or the cost of repair or replacement. They may also include other losses such as emotional distress due to the breach.
Nursing home abuse is a serious issue that should not be taken lightly. It’s important to be aware of the signs of abuse and take action if you suspect your loved one is being mistreated. By speaking up, you can help protect the safety and well-being of our elderly loved ones. If you believe that your loved one has been the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, it is important to act quickly. Contact a nursing home abuse lawyer to discuss your legal options and protect your loved one's rights.
Our expert partner attorneys offer free consultations for your claim.