If you suspect abuse, neglect, or exploitation of your loved one in a nursing home, you may have a case to receive a financial settlement. It is important to know that the California statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death cases is generally two years. These are the two categories under which most nursing home abuse cases fall, so it is important that you call a lawyer to begin your case.
Nursing Home Abuse Cases Vary
Mistreatment in nursing homes occurs in different ways. Some of the most common forms of nursing home abuse, neglect, and exploitation are:
- Passive neglect
- Physical abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Financial exploitation
- Willful deprivation
- Confinement
Keep your eyes open for signs that your loved one is suffering from any of these types of abuse. You may be able to bring a case against the nursing home and any individual that you believe was abusive or negligent. Contact a California nursing home abuse attorney as soon as you find evidence of gross negligence or abuse against your loved one. A lawyer will explain your legal options and build a case against the responsible party or parties.
The Signs of Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation
Do not overlook the warning signs that your loved one is the victim of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Elderly victims may not be capable of vocalizing what is happening, and you should take any indications of mistreatment seriously.
Signs of Physical Abuse and Neglect
The symptoms of physical and emotional abuse and neglect may look similar. Some of the signs to watch for include:
- Your loved one being withdrawn during visits, and exhibiting other signs of a depressed mood.
- A disheveled appearance, including messy hair, unkempt clothing, or other visual cues that they are not getting the care they need.
- Broken bones, especially if fractures occur more than once in a short period of time.
- The presence of bruises, cuts, burns, scrapes, and other indications of physical trauma, especially if they occur frequently.
- Poor personal hygiene.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Confusion or a lack of engagement, which could be indications of trauma-induced insomnia.
- Apparent signs of anxiety, such as rocking back and forth, recoiling to the touch, and being jittery.
- The presence of bedsores.
Any of these warning signs could indicate abuse or neglect. If you suspect abuse or neglect is occurring, call the authorities right away.
Another form of mistreatment that is common in nursing home is financial exploitation.
Signs of Financial Exploitation
Nursing home residents who manage their money can become targets for financial exploitation. Some signs that a predator may be taking advantage of your loved one include:
- Unexplained withdrawals, especially in large sums.
- Purchases at stores that your loved one does not typically shop at.
- Purchases of items that your loved one cannot produce or is unaware of.
- Changes to financial information, such as an address or phone number.
- Missing valuables, such as cash, jewelry, or anything that could be resold.
If you suspect that your loved one has been stolen from, you may be able to recover the value of those items or assets through a lawsuit.
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 794-0444
How a Lawyer Can Help You
If your loved one suffered mistreatment in a nursing home, you may be eligible for a financial award. Our team aims to ensure that your loved one suffers no further harm, and we will assist you by:
- Meeting with you and your loved one to document your accounts of abuse, and why you suspect that the liable parties have committed wrongdoing against your loved one.
- Initiating legal action as soon as possible to ensure that your case falls within the relevant statute of limitations for nursing home abuse in California.
- Alerting the nursing home to pending legal action and requesting cooperation from administrators and employees.
- Interviewing residents, administrators, and employees to obtain any accounts of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of your loved one.
- Handling all legal responsibilities necessary for you to obtain financial awards that you are eligible for.
- Ensuring that your loved one’s rights are protected throughout the legal process.
Potential Compensation in a Nursing Home Abuse Case
Awards that your loved one could be eligible for may cover:
- The cost of their stay at the nursing home where the abuse or neglect occurred.
- Any medical expenses stemming from abuse or neglect.
- The cost of any stolen valuables or financial assets.
- Pain and suffering inflicted by abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
- Punitive damages against the defendant(s).
Do Not Wait to Call A Lawyer
We want to ensure that your case falls within the two-year statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death claims in California. Call our team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today to discuss your case, regardless of the time that has passed since the abuse, neglect, or exploitation occurred.
Our clients pay nothing upfront, nothing out of pocket, and nothing unless we secure financial awards.
Call or text (800) 794-0444 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form