Nursing Home Lawyer
When your loved one tells you they have been abused or neglected while under the care of a nursing home, you might feel angry, shocked, and confused. This is not something to ignore, but it is also important to understand that these types of allegations are serious and could involve state departments, federal investigations, and complex rules and legislation. The first thing you should consider is talking with a nursing home lawyer.
Abuse in U.S. Nursing Homes
Nursing homes are supposed to provide a blanket of protection for their residents. Sadly, it is estimated that up to one third of these facilities fail to offer their advertised care resulting in neglected elders that truly need assistance in their everyday life. As the baby boom generation continues to enter these places, the likelihood of neglect in nursing homes is suspected to increase. This is particularly because approximately 80-85% of nursing homes are for profit businesses. Every year they must show a profit, and this typically is done through budget cuts, the hiring of inexperienced staff, and poorly kept premises. All of these things can become a catastrophic combination and may include the abuse or neglect of an elder.
Experienced, Honest, and Aggressive Legal Representation
A nursing home lawyer can help families go through the legal process involved with abuse or neglect. It is important you know that you are not alone, and furthermore, that you have options beyond accepting a fast settlement from the very facility who has harmed your elderly loved one. By choosing to hire a nursing home lawyer, you can feel peace of mind in knowing that they:
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- Will carefully review your case to ensure we understand all angles
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- Have ample resources to gather evidence that solidifies your case
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- Do not get intimidated by nursing home companies or their legal teams
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- Only settle for maximum compensation
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- Will go to trial, if we cannot reach a settlement
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- Understand the complex laws and rules
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- Know how to navigate the intricate details without causing you too much stress
- Work on a contingency fee basis
Common Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
Abuse is not always physical; rather, an elder can be emotionally, mentally, and financially neglected. Often the later can take place for years before it is discovered. If you’re unsure about how your elder loved one has been abused, but are sure that it is going on, you should explain your situation to a nursing home lawyer. Signs that may help you to identify abuse include:
Physical Sides of Abuse
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- Bed sores
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- Broken bones
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- Bruises
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- Burns
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- Weight loss
- Signs of restraint
Sexual Signs of Abuse
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- Genital bruising or bleeding
- Development of STDs
Mental and Emotional Abuse
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- Verbal assaults or threats
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- Intimidation
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- Humiliation
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- Frequent crying
- Emotionally withdrawn
Signs of Neglect
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- Poor hygiene
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- Missed medication doses
- Unsafe environment
Financial Abuse Signs
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- Unexpected purchases
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- Missing money
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- Strange changes in a will or trust
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- Missing checks
- Forged signatures
Additional signs of abuse or neglect may include:
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- Falsifying medical records
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- Duplicate billing
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- Undertrained staff
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- Lack of staff
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- Over or under medicated
- Lying to family members
Do You Believe Abuse is Happening to Your Elder Loved One?
If you believe a nursing home is abusing your elderly loved one, time is of the essence. You should contact a nursing home abuse lawyer Trenton, NJ residents turn to as soon as possible.
Thank you to our friends and contributors at Davis & Brusca, LLC for their insight into nursing home law and abuse.