The National Council on Aging (NCOA) reports that as many as 5 million elderly Americans are abused each year. It is a sad fact that many of the elderly residents of nursing homes experience abuse or neglect at the hands of the facility’s staff or from other residents.
One of the telltale signs of possible abuse in a nursing home setting is unexplained bruises. If your loved one lives in a nursing home and has bruises they cannot explain or that you believe were inflicted by another person, they may be suffering from abuse. You have a legal right to hold abusive or negligent people responsible for their actions through the legal system. You may also be entitled to receive compensation for your loved one’s suffering.
A Kansas City bruises lawyer with Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can help you hold your loved one’s caretakers responsible and recover compensation for the abuse or neglect they suffered in a nursing home. Contact us today at (800) 842-6336 for a free consultation about your elder abuse case.
Causes of Bruises in Nursing Homes
Bruises are soft tissue injuries that present as discolored patches of skin. This is due to broken capillaries beneath the skin that are caused by pressure. Because the skin thins as people grow older, many nursing home residents can bruise more easily. They may experience bruises because of accidental bumps, taking blood thinners, or side effects of other medications. But in some cases, bruising can be a sign of physical abuse. The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) reports that 56% of abused elders have large bruises and that abused elders are more likely to have bruises on their heads, necks, or torsos.
It may be difficult to discern whether your loved one’s bruising is the result of an abusive situation. Here are some factors to look for if you suspect your loved one is suffering from abuse or neglect in their nursing home:
- The bruises are in unusual places
- Your loved one is non-ambulatory but still has bruises
- The bruises are very large or seem to last a long time
- The injuries and bruises are not documented by caretakers
- There are chronic or reoccurring bruises
- Bruises always appear in the same location
- There are patterned bruises on the wrists, ankles, or hips (which can be a sign that restraints were used)
- Bruises are in the shape of fingers, knuckles, or other unusual shapes
If your loved one has bruises but cannot explain where they came from or does not want to tell you how they got them, it may be cause for concern. If you suspect that your loved one’s bruises are a sign of abuse or neglect, you can look for additional signs to help confirm your suspicion. Other indications of elder abuse and neglect in a nursing home include bedsores, bone fractures or breaks, nervousness, withdrawal, anxiety, depression, poor hygiene, dirty or torn clothing, dehydration, malnutrition, and other physical injuries.
You should document your loved one’s bruises by taking pictures, report the injuries, and contact a Kansas City bruises lawyer immediately if you believe your loved one is suffering from elder abuse or neglect in a nursing home.
Seek Legal Help for Your Loved One’s Bruises
If your loved one is suffering or suffered from elder abuse or neglect in a nursing home, you have the right to pursue legal action. You can file a personal injury lawsuit for your loved one’s suffering or a wrongful death lawsuit if they died as a result of their injuries. If the bruises were caused by a negligent medical professional, you may also have a case for medical malpractice.
A Kansas City bruises lawyer at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can help. Our legal team can investigate the circumstances of your loved one’s bruises, including reviewing the nursing home’s records and gathering evidence such as photos, videos, eyewitness statements, and expert medical testimony. We can also file a lawsuit on your behalf, aggressively negotiate for compensation, and represent your interests in court if necessary. To learn more, contact us today for a free case evaluation.
For a free legal consultation with a Bruises Lawyer serving Kansas, call (800) 794-0444
The Statute of Limitations Can Affect Your Case
If you suspect abuse or neglect in a nursing home, consult a Kansas City bruises lawyer for help as soon as possible. Civil lawsuits must be filed within a time limit, also known as the statute of limitations, or you could lose your right to take legal action for your loved one’s suffering.
The Missouri statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits is five years from the date of injury, according to Revised Statutes of Missouri (RSMo) §516.120. The statute of limitations for wrongful death lawsuits is three years from the date of death, according to RSMo §537.100. Working with a Kansas City bruises lawyer can help ensure that these deadlines are met.
Kansas Bruises Lawyer Near Me (800) 794-0444
Potential Compensation
You may be able to receive financial compensation for your loved one’s bruises if they were caused by someone else’s actions, abuse, or neglect in a nursing home. Potential compensation you could receive includes:
- Medical expenses
- Funeral costs
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of support
- Loss of guidance
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Punitive damages (if the injuries were malicious)
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Pintas & Mullins Law Firm Is Here for You
Pintas & Mullins Law Firm is here to help you recover the compensation you deserve and pursue justice for your loved one. Our team of Kansas City bruises lawyers is dedicated to giving a voice to those who need one and standing up against the outrage of elder abuse and neglect.
We work on a contingency basis, so you will never owe us any fees unless we can earn a financial award for you. Contact us today at (800) 842-6336 to discuss your loved one’s bruises and learn more about your legal options.
Call or text (800) 794-0444 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
