Discovering or suspecting that a loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse can be a distressing and overwhelming experience. Families place their trust in nursing homes to provide safe, compassionate, and professional care, but abuse and neglect can occur in some facilities. Abuse may take many forms, including physical harm, emotional mistreatment, financial exploitation, or neglect of basic needs.
If you suspect your loved one is being mistreated, , reach out to the team at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp. Understanding your options and rights is key to ensuring your loved one’s safety and well-being. We operate on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you won’t owe any legal fees unless we secure compensation for you. Call us today at 833-997-1774 for a free consultation and to explore your options.
What Are the Common Signs of Nursing Home Abuse?
Recognizing nursing home abuse can be challenging, as victims may be reluctant or unable to communicate their experiences. Common signs of abuse include unexplained injuries such as bruises, burns, or fractures, as well as signs of neglect, like bedsores, poor hygiene, or malnutrition. Behavioral changes, such as withdrawal, depression, or anxiety, may indicate emotional or psychological abuse.
Financial exploitation may be suspected if there are sudden, unexplained changes in financial accounts, missing personal belongings, or unauthorized transactions. If you notice your loved one exhibiting fear or discomfort around certain staff members, this could also be a red flag. Observing and documenting these signs is critical for identifying potential abuse and taking appropriate action.
What Should a Family Do If They Suspect Nursing Home Abuse?
If you suspect abuse, your first priority should be ensuring your loved one’s safety. Visit the nursing home immediately and assess their condition. Speak privately with your loved one, if possible, to understand their perspective and concerns. Document any signs of abuse or neglect, including photographs of injuries or poor living conditions. Keep a record of conversations with staff members, administrators, or other residents.
Report your concerns to the nursing home administration, as they are legally obligated to investigate and address allegations of abuse. If the situation seems urgent or life-threatening, contact local law enforcement or adult protective services to intervene. Consulting with an experienced attorney who specializes in elder abuse can also help guide you through the process and ensure your loved one’s rights are protected.
Who Should You Report Nursing Home Abuse To?
Nursing home abuse should be reported to multiple entities to ensure it is addressed effectively. Start by notifying the facility’s management or administrator, as they are required to investigate and take corrective action. If the response is unsatisfactory or the abuse is severe, contact your state’s long-term care ombudsman, who serves as an advocate for nursing home residents.
You can also file a complaint with your state’s health department or licensing agency, which oversees nursing home compliance with regulations. In cases involving immediate danger, contact local law enforcement or emergency services. Reporting abuse to these agencies creates an official record of your concerns, which can be crucial for legal action or regulatory penalties against the facility.
Can a Family Sue a Nursing Home for Abuse or Neglect?
Yes, families have the right to file a lawsuit against a nursing home if abuse or neglect caused harm to their loved one. Legal claims can be based on physical injuries, emotional trauma, financial losses, or wrongful death. To pursue a lawsuit, you must demonstrate that the nursing home staff or facility breached their duty of care and that this breach directly resulted in harm.
An experienced elder abuse attorney can investigate the case, gather evidence such as medical records and witness statements, and identify the responsible parties. Potential defendants may include individual staff members, administrators, or the nursing home itself. Compensation may cover medical expenses, pain and suffering, relocation costs, and punitive damages to hold the facility accountable for its actions.
How Can a Virginia Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Help?
If you suspect your elderly family member is being abused or neglected, contact a personal injury who specializes in nursing home abuse cases to find out what steps you can take to protect your loved one. Your attorney can assist with the correct reporting protocols to ensure that all municipal elderly protection agencies have been notified.
Your attorney can also assist in advocating for your family with a nursing home abuse lawsuit. Damages that a nursing home abuse lawsuit can recover are medical costs, future medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and past and future impairment. Your attorney may also be able to obtain punitive damages if it can be shown that there was malicious intent or extreme cruelty inflicted upon your loved one.
Call Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp today at 833-997-1774 to schedule a free consultation and find out what legal recourse your family may have.