Nursing Home Lawyer, Washington DC
Suspecting that a loved one may be suffering from abuse or neglect in a nursing home will require the legal counsel of a nursing home lawyer in Washington DC. When you have a loved one in a nursing home, you expect them to receive good care. While most nursing homes do provide a good environment, sometimes things can go very wrong. Unfortunately, neglect and abuse can occur. Elder abuse is an all too common occurrence, making it important to work with a nursing home lawyer in Washington DC like, Brown Kiely, LLP. Cases involving neglect and abuse in nursing homes can range from mild to severe. The quicker mistreatment is addressed, the better it is to ensure your loved one is properly being cared for. Contacting a nursing home lawyer in Washington DC can help you to identify the signs of abuse and neglect to help you determine next steps.
What Are the Symptoms of Neglect and Abuse?
Victims of abuse are often ashamed to admit bad things are occurring. Seniors in a nursing home may not even be aware that neglect or abuse is occurring. Watching for warning signs is key to preventing serious injuries from occurring. Here are a few of the signs that may indicated the need for the legal services a nursing home lawyer in Washington DC can provide:
- Poor Hygiene
- Soiled Clothing
- Unexplained Injuries
- Bedsores
- Dehydration
- Weight loss
- Dry Skin
- Lack of Energy
- Withdrawal
- Depression
- Change in Attitude
- Agitation (especially around staff)
Visiting your loved one often, and at varying times in the day, can help you identify whether there is a pattern of abuse and neglect. Neglect can be difficult to identify, but stands to have a lasting impact on your loved one. Often, Brown Kiely LLP works with clients who have experienced care in nursing home facilities that are chronically understaffed and poorly managed. As a result of these issues, patients are left in soiled clothing or without access to fresh water. If you witness or suspect nursing home abuse, you should report neglect and abuse to the nursing home administration, and contact a nursing home lawyer in Washington DC for guidance. In most situations, good nursing homes will want to address the issues. If the nursing home doesn’t seem to take action, Adult Protective Services is another resource that can investigate abuse and neglect. You might want to report abuse and neglect to APS in addition to contacting a nursing home lawyer in Washington DC.
When Should You Contact a Nursing Home Lawyer in Washington DC?
Every state has different laws, but nursing homes that take Medicare also fall under federal guidelines. It can be difficult to know which laws apply to your case. If the nursing home does not seem to be making attempts to change things, you may want to talk to a nursing home lawyer in Washington DC to help you take the appropriate next steps. Neglect and abuse may not be severe at first, but can quickly become a life threatening issue when not addressed.
Brown Kiely LLP can help you take swift, and immediate action when a loved one has experienced nursing home abuse. If you suspect your loved one has suffered from abuse and neglect in a nursing home, contact a nursing home lawyer in Washington DC for the protection they deserve.