Many people choose to place their loved ones in a nursing home for the benefits it provides. These facilities offer a range of personal and medical services. For example, they provide prepared meals and 24-hour supervision. There’s a sense of peace in knowing they’re receiving care from professionals.
Most nursing care homes provide excellent standards of care. But not all these facilities are from the same cloth. Nursing home abuse has been a problem for many years. What’s shocking is the maltreatment of our seniors has become an epidemic.
There are five million cases of senior abuse reported every year. That might even be a conservative number. Many nursing home residents do not report abuse for fear of retribution. The good news is there’s a legal remedy available to you and your elderly loved one. There are many nursing home lawyers ready to fight for you.
Understanding Nursing Home Abuse
Nursing home abuse happens when residents of these facilities become harmed. It can be due to their caregiver’s negligence or other intentional actions. There are different types of abuse that can happen in a nursing home or senior care facility. Here are the main ones:
· Neglect: This is the most common form of senior home abuse. Caregivers don’t check the residents on a regular basis. The expected care isn’t given, like treating bed sores or giving them baths.
· Physical Abuse. This happens when the staff hits or slaps the resident. Pushes, punches, and other physical contact is abuse. It could result in long-term health issues like broken bones, bruises or concussions. Many cases led to death.
· Psychological Abuse. Staff withholding mail, phone calls, or personal items is a form of mental abuse. It’s mental abuse to threaten, intimidate, and isolate a resident.
· Financial Abuse: Caregivers manipulate elders to give them money. There are also cases wherein residents can’t access their money.
· Sexual Abuse: Staff use residents for sexual release. It’s the least reported type of abuse. Residents with dementia or other disabilities are often targeted.
People with loved ones in nursing home facilities should know the signs of abuse. After all, you can’t stop something if you don’t know it’s happening. There are many warning signs that an elderly person is being abused in their nursing home. Watch out for broken bones and unexplained injuries. A loved one who’s dehydrated or has poor hygiene might be suffering from neglect.
You have options if you believe your loved one is being abused. You can remove them from the facility. You should also get help from the services of a nursing home abuse attorney.
What are Nursing Home Neglect Attorneys?
A nursing home abuse lawyer represents families of abuse and neglect victims. They can file a case from the neglect and abuse that happened while the victim was in a nursing care facility.
They are a specialized personal injury lawyer. They take legal action in an elderly resident’s stead. They will seek justice and compensation against the perpetrators of the abuse. You’ll need to show civil liability before you can demand compensatory damages. This can be challenging without legal help. Your claim might become denied if you don’t have an expert on your side.
Reasons You Need a Nursing Home Neglect Lawyer
Many people worry about pressing charges against nursing homes or their staff. Elderly victims aren’t always reliable witnesses because of their age and health. For example, someone who’s blind can’t identify their abuser. It’s also harder if the victim has dementia.
It shouldn’t stop you from taking action for the sake of your loved one. You might even prevent someone else from becoming a victim. You’ll need a good nursing home neglect attorney on your side. Here’s why:
· The Nursing Home Has a Vested Interest
A nursing home facility provides an important service for older people. But it’s still a business. Any reports of abuse or neglect could hurt their bottom line. It’s why you can’t depend on them to be transparent about these incidents. It’s likely that they’ll cover up any abuse.
Having a lawyer on the case will make it difficult to cover up the abuse or neglect. A specialist attorney has the means and power to investigate the case.
· You Need Someone to Verify the Facts
Families of the abuse victim will have a difficult time investigating the situation. The nursing home can cover up the incident or find ways to obstruct your research. A nursing home abuse attorney will have a better chance of finding out the truth.
Your lawyer will meet with you or the victim first to discuss the alleged mistreatment. They need information about the victim’s physical and mental states. They also need to know the victim’s history in the nursing home. They will then start an investigation and gather evidence to support the case. This will include witness statements, medical records, and photographic proof. These will support the case.
· You Need Someone Who Understands the Law
Cases involving nursing home abuse or negligence are difficult. There are steps to follow and statutes to consider. Your lawyer knows the national and local laws on nursing homes. They also know what steps to take and the best time to file a suit. They will also file the case on your behalf.
Most nursing home neglect cases end in a settlement. Your lawyer can negotiate for you. They’ll make sure you receive a strong settlement. If the case does go to court, they will defend your claim.
Protect Your Loved Ones
A nursing home should provide exceptional care to our elders. Warner and Warner can help you get justice if they fail in their duty. We’re among the best trial attorneys in Orlando. Our team is passionate about justice and the law. They have the skill and experience to ensure there is justice. We specialize in nursing home neglect and abuse. We also handle medical malpractice and personal injury cases. You can call us at (321) 341-6887 or send us an email at info@warnerandwarner.com.