Qualifying for a job on a nursing home staff does not always mean having previous experience in a similar position. The low pay and high stress of a nursing home staffer essentially can leave the job open to anyone who can wear the uniform, and pass a simple background check.
Working in a nursing home comes with its unique ups and downs. While some people enter this line of work to contribute to the greater good, some nursing home staff members willingly abuse and neglect nursing home residents. If you have noticed odd actions on the part of the staff, and suspect abuse, an Atlanta lawyer might be able to help you. Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm to consult with a member of our team about your nursing home abuse case.
Red Flags in Nursing Home Staff Behavior
One of the worst parts about unusual nursing home staff behavior is knowing that it may be negatively impacting your loved one’s experience. Nursing home staff work can be stressful. However, high stress levels do not excuse abusive or neglectful behavior of any kind. Consider the following warning signs for a nursing home staff member who is acting oddly at work:
- Incomplete care routines.
- Missing medication doses.
- Losing cash or personal items that belonged to your loved one.
- Missing receipts from any extra charges incurred from the nursing home.
- Controlling, threatening, or demeaning comments or treatment to your loved one or other residents.
- Refusing to leave you alone with your loved one.
- Ignoring unsafe living conditions at the nursing home.
This is a non-exhaustive list of odd behaviors that can indicate a bigger problem in your loved one’s nursing home facility. When it comes to understanding odd actions on the part of the staff, it is best to trust your gut if you suspect abuse. A lawyer can investigate your case and help assign liability to those responsible for your loved one’s abuse. Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today for a free case evaluation.
Risk Factors for Elder Abuse
If you believe your loved one is suffering at the hands of an abusive staff member, it may be helpful to understand what puts them in this vulnerable position. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 16% of people over 60 experienced elder abuse in community settings. Even more frightening, in 2018, over 60% of nursing home staff admitted to abuse.
Simply being an older person residing in a nursing home puts you at risk for elder abuse. However, not all nursing home residents are treated exactly the same, and the type of abuse may vary. Being older, nursing home residents are typically in diminished physical health, meaning they cannot defend themselves as easily. They also rely on their caretaker, making it easier for them to take advantage of your loved one.
Of course, this is a non-exhaustive list of the risk factors for elder abuse. Every case will be unique, so it can help to discuss your case with someone who is knowledgeable about legal pursuit of an elder abuse case.
For a free legal consultation with a Atlanta Odd Actions on the Part of the Staff Lawyer serving Atlanta, call (800) 794-0444
Legal Options for Abusive Nursing Home Staff
When nursing home staff acts oddly, and you suspect that they are abusing your loved one, you may want to discuss your case with a lawyer who can advise you on the many legal options you have.
The Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987 entitles your loved one in a nursing home to basic rights to protect his or her dignity. This includes being free from neglect and abuse in their nursing home. Fortunately, there are legal consequences for abusive and neglectful staff.
Atlanta Atlanta Odd Actions on the Part of the Staff Lawyer Near Me (800) 794-0444
Legal Claims for Nursing Home Abuse
In seeking justice for your loved one, you may want to file a legal claim for compensation to deal with extra costs and injuries incurred from living in the nursing home. You may want to consider any of the following claim types:
- Personal Injury: If there is any evidence of physical injury to your loved one, such as bruises, broken bones, cuts, or frequent infections, treating these issues can be costly—financially and emotionally. A lawyer can advise you on your best options for a personal injury claim, and help build a strong case against oddly behaving staff. Personal injury claims in Georgia have a limitation of up to two years from the date the injury happened, according to Georgia Code of Civil Practice § 9-3-33.
- Medical Malpractice: If you have noticed odd behavior from a licensed medical professional interacting with your loved one, you may have a medical malpractice case. In Georgia, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice is up to two years from the date of the injury, according to Georgia Code of Civil Practice § 9-3-71.
This is not an exhaustive look at the legal options you may have when you notice nursing home staff behaving oddly. In any case, a lawyer can advise you and help you file the necessary documents for a legal claim. As you can see, the statute of limitations varies for each case, and some are as brief as two years from the date of the incident.
You might be able to recover compensation through one of the above lawsuits for expenses such as:
- Medical bills related to the abuse
- Cost of relocating to another facility
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Call Pintas & Mullins today to begin working on your case. An Atlanta odd actions on the part of the staff lawyer can hold abusive or neglectful nursing home staff accountable, and help you recover compensation for your injuries.
Call or text (800) 794-0444 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
