The state of Georgia generally imposes a two-year window in which you can bring a personal injury claim. If your loved one suffered abuse, neglect, or exploitation while living in a nursing home, then your case will likely be considered part of the personal injury category for litigation. This means that you likely have two years from the date that you discovered the mistreatment to bring a legal case against the liable parties.
There are exceptions to these statutes, so you should contact a lawyer regardless of the time that has passed since you discovered the abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
Nursing Home Abuse Takes Many Forms
There are many types of abuse that take place in nursing homes. It is important that you be aware of ways that your elderly loved one may be mistreated. Common forms of elder abuse include:
- Willful deprivation
- Neglect
- Emotional abuse
- Physical abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Financial exploitation
- Confinement
The elderly often cannot adequately defend themselves from these forms of mistreatment, and loved ones must stay alert to signs of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
The Signs of Physical Abuse and Neglect
There are several indicators that your loved one could be the victim of physical abuse, willful deprivation, or passive neglect. Some signs include:
- A disheveled appearance, such as uncombed hair and clothes that are not clean.
- Bleeding around the genital regions.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Withdrawal from activities that your loved one once enjoyed.
- Broken bones that occur more than once.
- Cuts, bruises, scrapes, lesions, and other potential signs of physical abuse.
- Apparent signs of trauma and anxiety such as rocking back and forth, recoiling when you go to touch them, and a general air of uneasiness.
- Trouble sleeping.
- A depressed mood.
- Uncharacteristic outbursts, especially those of a violent nature.
- The presence of bedsores across multiple visits.
It is important that you take any of these potential warning signs seriously, asking your loved one’s caretaker to explain the causes of these red flags. If they cannot explain how potential signs of physical abuse occurred, or why your loved one is acting out of character, consider that something may be wrong.
Another form of abuse is financial exploitation. If your loved one manages any measure of their finances, they could be a potential target for financial exploiters.
Know the Signs of Financial Exploitation
Money is an obvious motivator for those who prey on the elderly. If you have allowed your loved one to manage their finances, even in a minor capacity, then they could become a victim of financial exploitation.
Some warning signs of financial exploitation include:
- Unexplained cash withdrawals, especially large sums.
- Purchases at stores where your loved one does not usually shop.
- Purchases of items that you do not see when you visit your loved one, and that they cannot produce when you ask.
- Any purchase that your loved one does not remember making.
- Changes to details in financial accounts, such as an address or phone number.
- Missing valuables such as jewelry, cash, or anything that could be resold.
Financial exploitation is its own form of abuse, and if you believe that your loved one has been taken advantage of or mistreated in any way, a lawyer can help.
How A Lawyer Can Help You
It is important that you first call law enforcement authorities if you suspect mistreatment of your loved one. Once you have done this, a lawyer from Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can help you mount a civil case against the liable parties.
Our team aims to ensure that your loved one suffers no additional harm. We will assist you by:
- Coming to you and your loved one to discuss why you believe that some form of mistreatment has occurred, and documenting your account.
- Initiating legal action as soon as possible to ensure that you abide by all relevant statutes of limitations for nursing home abuse in Georgia.
- Alerting the nursing home of pending legal action and requesting their cooperation.
- Interviewing staff members, residents, and administrators to see if they witnessed or caused the mistreatment of your loved one.
- Speaking with medical professionals and documenting their opinion as to how your loved one’s injuries could have resulted from abuse or neglect.
- Handling all legal responsibilities during our pursuit of financial awards.
- Speaking with the defendant’s representatives to explore settlement options.
- Ensuring that your loved one’s rights are protected throughout the legal process.
Potential Awards in A Nursing Home Abuse Case
Each case is different, but your loved one could be awarded financial compensation covering:
- The cost of their time at the nursing home where mistreatment occurred.
- The cost of any medical care required because of the mistreatment.
- Trauma, pain, or suffering that resulted from the mistreatment.
- Punitive damages against the defendant(s).
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 794-0444
Do Not Wait to Call A Lawyer
Do not wait to call our team today, as the two-year statute of limitations for nursing home abuse in Georgia may apply in your case. Even if two years have passed since you discovered mistreatment of your loved one, we want to hear from you, as there are exceptions to the statutes of limitation.
Call our team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today to discuss your case. You pay nothing upfront and nothing unless we win.
Call or text (800) 794-0444 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form