If your loved one is living in a nursing home and his or her behavior has recently changed, you may be witnessing the side effects of emotional abuse. The biggest difference between emotional and physical abuse is that the symptoms are often much harder to see, if they ever appear at all. A Chicago emotional abuse lawyer can help build your case. Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today for a free consultation.
Emotional Care Considerations in Nursing Homes
Nursing home care staff are responsible for maintaining your loved one’s dignity, autonomy, and independence once they move into a nursing home. For many people, this includes establishing a new routine of basic care acts that would otherwise be performed in a private home, like bathing, dressing, and eating.
In fact, emotional care is such a large part of our day-to-day lives, that enrollment in a nursing home program entitles your loved one to have his or her basic emotional and physical needs met. Nursing home care is largely emotional labor, where besides meeting the physical care needs of your loved one, his or her emotional standing should always be in good health. In a best-case scenario for a nursing home, your loved one is treated like family.
However, sometimes, nursing home staff will violate the standard of care they owe residents and abuse or neglect takes place. Emotional abuse is sadly not uncommon in nursing homes. It is defined as “the infliction of anguish, pain, or distress through verbal or nonverbal acts,” and may include instances of “harassment, making threats, and intimidation.” If you suspect emotional abuse is happening to your loved one, the best thing to do is to begin building your case with a Chicago emotional abuse lawyer.
Building Your Emotional Abuse Case
When you suspect elder abuse, know that there are various confidential resources with the Illinois Department of Aging for reporting a problem. Some professionals, like doctors, nurses, psychologists, dentists, social service workers, and law enforcement are required by law to report abuse of people ages 60 and older.
Additionally, each region in Illinois is assigned a Long-Term Care Ombudsman, who works directly with nursing home residents and the state in order to hold long-term care facilities accountable for good, quality care. When your needs exceed the limits of these resources, it may be time for you to file a legal claim. The lawyers at Pintas & Mullins can help you get started, when you give us a call today.
When Emotional Abuse Goes Unreported
If you fear that your case may fail for any reason, know that our lawyers understand why some emotional abuse goes on for long without being reported. A guide on elder abuse published by Arizona State University lists why older victims may not report being abused, aside from cognitive impairments that would make it impossible:
- Fear of retaliation.
- Fear of being placed in a nursing home or becoming destitute.
- Religious beliefs that dictate honoring one’s spouse (in elder domestic violence cases).
- Mistrust of the police.
- Self-blame.
- Feelings of futility.
- Embarrassment.
Evidently, there are plenty of reasonable thoughts your loved one might have if they suspect that they are being emotionally abused.
If you are considering filing a civil court claim for the abuse or neglect of your loved one, it is important to gather as much evidence as possible. The type of claim you may file for an emotional abuse case could be a breach of contract case, a medical malpractice case, or negligence.
No matter what your case is, Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can help advise you throughout the legal process. We will explain each step of the way, and keep your interests and the best interests of your loved ones in mind.
For a free legal consultation with a Emotional Abuse Lawyer serving Chicago, call (800) 794-0444
Emotional Abuse Is Inexcusable
While emotional abuse can be considered basic negligence, your loved one’s needs are too important to neglect. Hold liable parties accountable for all damages caused to your loved one and your family.
Emotional Abuse Has Long-term Consequences
Just because emotional abuse does not have as many apparent symptoms of physical abuse does not lower its significance. In fact, the impact on victims, family members, and the community at large can be devastating and long term. Some long-term effects from emotional abuse cases that were reported by Arizona State University include fear of future victimization, long-term mental and physical health issues, serious injuries, and death.
If your loved one recently suffered from emotional abuse in a nursing home, do not wait until it’s too late to provide them with quality care and a life they deserve. Hold nursing home staff liable and bring your loved one’s case to justice. The law is on your side, the Elder Justice Act was passed for these very reasons.
Chicago Emotional Abuse Lawyer Near Me (800) 794-0444
Work With a Chicago Emotional Abuse Lawyer
Consider working with a Chicago emotional abuse lawyer if you think you might have an emotional abuse case. You could help prevent future cases of emotional abuse for elders everywhere when you make it clear that elder abuse is not acceptable in any form.
If our lawyers are unable to reach a settlement with the nursing home, we will bring our fight for your rights to a courtroom. Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm to begin working on your case today.
Call or text (800) 794-0444 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
