Bruising usually happens when blood vessels under the skin suffer damage as the result of an injury, such as when a person falls or bumps into furniture. In older adults, bruising can occur more easily due to several factors. An older person’s skin is usually thinner than that of a younger adult. Some medications like blood thinners and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication can also make an older person more susceptible to developing bruises. For these reasons, bruises may take longer to heal in the elderly.
Sometimes, bruises on nursing home residents can be signs of physical abuse. If you detect suspicious bruises on your loved one, you might wonder whether your relative’s caregivers were rough-handling or otherwise physically abusing them in a nursing home.
Unfortunately, physical abuse incidents that cause bruises can go undetected. Victims might be unable to report any physical abuse due to mental limitations, or they may not report the abuse out of fear or shame. The National Research Council states that the elderly living in long-term care residential settings are at particular risk for abuse and neglect.
While some bruises remain harmless, if you repeatedly find unexplained bruising on your loved one’s body that is not due to any medications, medical conditions, or reported accidents, your loved one may be suffering from abuse in their nursing home.
Finding out that your elderly loved one is suffering from physical abuse can be heartbreaking, and you may not know where to turn for help. Your Atlanta bruises lawyer takes your concerns seriously. If you would like to find out whether you have a case against a negligent nursing home, call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today.
Bruises From Nursing Home Abuse
It can be difficult to ascertain whether bruising on your loved one appeared due to medical conditions, such as from bumping into furniture, or for a more sinister reason, such as abuse in the nursing home. Sometimes, even a feeling or intuition that something is not right may indicate an issue. Other signs in addition to bruises that might generally point to physical abuse of your loved one include:
- Sprains and fractures
- Scars and burns
- Being fearful of caregivers
- Failing to take appropriate medications
- New depression or anxiety
Sometimes, studying bruises closely can also reveal clues. A study from the National Criminal Justice Reference Service (NCJRS) showed that some of the frequent locations for bruises from physical abuse include the upper body and the face.
If you notice that your loved one’s bruises concentrate around their face, arm, and torso, do not ignore them as they may be signs of abuse. Your first step could be to speak to nursing home staff and your loved one’s caregiver to find out if there is an explanation.
You May Qualify To Receive Compensation
If you have incurred hospital bills and other medical expenses as a result of nursing home abuse injuries, you may qualify to receive compensation. You could also get compensation for any future costs associated with the ongoing treatment of any injuries to your loved one.
Further, you may recover damages for any pain and anguish suffered by your relative, whether physical or emotional. An Atlanta bruises lawyer can offer advice.
For a free legal consultation with a Atlanta Bruises Lawyer serving Atlanta, call (800) 794-0444
Nursing Home Liability
Residents of long-term care facilities are typically highly dependent on their caregivers for their daily needs. Nursing home abuse by staff is an egregious, shocking, and unlawful act of violence against a helpless elderly nursing home resident.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the Nursing Home Reform Act clearly states that all nursing homes must fulfill the individual needs of their residents, and be free from abuse and neglect.
Apart from staff, residents could also suffer physical abuse at the hands of:
- Other residents
- Visiting family members
- Guests to the nursing home
- Third-party contractors working at the home
Ultimately, the nursing home could be held liable for any abuse perpetrated in the facility since they bear the overall responsibility for the home. Depending on your specific case, you could also have the option of initiating lawsuits against individuals, including the owner of the nursing home, as well as the individual that perpetrated the physical assault on your loved one.
By holding all the responsible parties accountable, you could receive financial compensation as well as deter the perpetrators from committing similar acts in the future.
Nursing home laws can be complex and challenging to interpret. Having an Atlanta bruises lawyer by your side to help you with a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit may allow you to focus on your recovery while also pursuing legal action.
Atlanta Atlanta Bruises Lawyer Near Me (800) 794-0444
Pintas & Mullins Law Firm Can Help
If you intend to find recourse through legal avenues, do not wait too long. Georgia Code Title 9 § 9-3-33 limits personal injury and wrongful death cases generally to a period of two years, beginning with the date of injury or death. If you do not file your claim in time, you may be unable to obtain compensation for your losses.
Seniors in Atlanta nursing homes deserve to live out their final years in peace. They should not have to suffer from any type of abuse. We will fight for your loved one’s rights and compensation.
If you are concerned about any risks with taking on a nursing home, you can have peace of mind when working with us. We will not charge you any attorney’s fees upfront and only get paid when you receive a settlement, so there is no financial risk for you.
While a lawsuit could be time-consuming without the help of a lawyer, we can take responsibility for all aspects of building a case, including gathering the necessary evidence and documentation, and consulting with expert witnesses, if required.
Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today to speak to us about your specific case and find out how we could get justice for you and your loved one. Call us.
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