According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, broken bones are just one of the possible signs of abuse of the elderly. If your loved one is diagnosed with one fracture, you should not overlook it. If your loved one suffered multiple fractures or other bone breaks during their time in a nursing home, then it is time for you to take action, as your family member may be a victim of nursing home abuse.
Call our team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today to discuss how you can ensure that your loved one has a shot at justice for any abuse that they have endured.
Spot the Signs of Physical Abuse
Some overlook the signs of physical abuse in the elderly because the older population is more prone to injury — do not do this. You are the only person standing between your loved one and a possible predator, so it is critical that you take every bump and every bruise that you see on your loved one seriously, let alone one or more fractures.
Some of the possible signs that your loved one suffered abuse or is being abused, include:
- Broken bones, especially spiral fractures, which result from twisting a bone until it breaks and can be a sign of physical abuse.
- Bruises, especially in areas where a bruise cannot be easily explained by bumping into something.
- Lacerations or welts.
- Open wounds, cuts, punctures, burns, and other signs of trauma to the skin, especially if they occur regularly and without explanation.
- Sprains and dislocations.
- Internal injuries or bleeding, especially if you discovered them and forced a diagnosis.
- Any indication by your loved one that they suffered abuse or mistreatment, such as even saying that they do not like a certain caretaker.
Your loved one may also display changes in personality that could be an indication of one or more forms of abuse. These changes may include:
- A depressed mood that is uncharacteristic of your loved one.
- Withdrawing from activities that they typically derive pleasure from.
- Withdrawing from all activities.
- Exhibiting signs of fear and anxiety, especially in response to your physical touch.
It is never pleasant to consider that your loved one could be the victim of abuse, but if you see one or more of these signs of possible abuse, you must take action right away by contacting a Cicero bone fractures and breaks lawyer.
Consider Who May Be Responsible for Such Abuse
There is a fairly high chance that, if physical abuse of your loved one has taken place, other forms of elder abuse are perpetrated against your loved one. Such mistreatment may include:
- Emotional and psychological abuse.
- Financial exploitation.
- Sexual abuse.
If even one act of abuse has taken place, the most obvious responsible party is the person or persons who perpetrated the abuse directly. Other parties may be responsible, namely the decision-makers at the nursing home where the abuse has occurred. These parties may have acted negligently by:
- Failing to conduct extensive background checks for every employee, which can lead to people with known histories of abuse and predation working directly with your loved one.
- Failing to conduct regular drug screenings of employees, as drugs can reduce one’s ability to care at best, and led to harmful behavior toward others.
- Not implementing extensive monitoring of residents and staff, such as closed-circuit video, on a round-the-clock basis.
- Not checking regularly on the welfare of every resident.
- Failing to keep you informed of suspicious happenings with respect to your loved one, such as possible signs of abuse.
There are many other ways that those in charge of a nursing home are in the wrong, and ultimately contributed to any abuse that occurred. Call us at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today to discuss the next steps in pursuing justice.
Let a Cicero Bone Fractures and Breaks Lawyer Strengthen Your Case for Justice
When somebody hurts your loved one, especially a family member who is defenseless, it is personal. You want to rely on all the available resources when it is time to pursue justice, and there is no resource more important than a lawyer when you are talking about bringing a negligence lawsuit.
A lawyer will walk you through your legal options and help you understand who all is responsible for any abuse that has occurred. A lawyer can then:
- Create an official record of the details and first-hand accounts that have led you to believe that abuse occurred.
- File your case with the court as soon as possible.
- Collect any evidence of abuse, such as video of the actual abuse and photographs of your loved one’s injuries, for use at trial.
- Request to interview caretakers at the nursing home where your loved one stayed, hopefully obtaining an admission from the guilty parties.
- Speak with counsel for the defendants in your case to see if any settlement offers are available to you.
- Consult medical professionals who can state that your loved one’s injuries are, in fact, the possible result of abuse.
- Complete every hurdle necessary to bring your loved one’s case to a resolution, which will typically be a judgment or settlement.
- Defend you and your loved one’s rights throughout trial or settlement negotiations.
You may be able to reach a resolution to your case without going to trial, but we are prepared to pursue justice either way.
For a free legal consultation with a Bone Fractures and Breaks Lawyer serving Cicero, call (800) 794-0444
Call Our Team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm Today
We want to help you pursue compensation for your loved one’s pain and suffering. Call a Cicero bone fractures and breaks lawyer today for a free consultation regarding your case. Do not wait, as a statute of limitations may govern your case, and the sooner you call us the quicker we can begin your case for compensation.
Call or text (800) 794-0444 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
