It is sickening to think of your beloved spouse or parent suffering mental anguish in an abusive nursing home situation. It is also against the law to intentionally inflict mental pain, abuse, or anguish on a nursing home resident.
A Louisville emotional abuse lawyer can protect you and your loved one’s legal rights. He or she can also seek compensation for physical and emotional damages, such as mental anguish, diminished quality of life, or loss of consortium or companionship.
Please call for a free case review with a member of Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 842-6336.
When to Call a Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Lawyer
In some ways, proving emotional abuse is more challenging than other forms of nursing home abuse. However, a Louisville emotional abuse lawyer has a deep understanding of these kinds of cases and knows how to help you and your family pursue compensation and justice.
The National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) lists several types of abuse that unscrupulous caregivers inflict on nursing home residents, including:
- Physical abuse: Deliberate use of force to inflict injury or pain.
- Emotional abuse: Intentional use of psychological tactics to inflict emotional or mental pain, injury, or anguish.
- Sexual abuse: Unwanted, non-consensual sexual contact, abuse, or assault.
- Financial abuse: Purposeful exploitation for self-gain and profit.
- Neglect: Intentional or reckless withholding of food, water, assistance, and care to the point of injury or loss of life.
If your loved one is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1. Your next call may be to a lawyer who can guide you and your loved one toward compensation and justice.
Understanding Emotional Abuse
Emotional or psychological abuse may be the most common type of nursing home abuse because it often accompanies other forms of neglect. The National Center on Elder Abuse goes on to report more than 50 percent of older Americans have suffered from emotional abuse.
Individuals who prey on nursing home residents with emotional abuse typically choose victims who are the most vulnerable and the least likely to report this behavior.
Emotional abuse can take several forms, including:
- Harassment
- Humiliation
- Ignoring or isolating the resident
- Insults
- Racial, gender, or sexual orientation slurs
- Obscenities
- Creating a hostile living environment such as placing the resident’s glasses, walker, or hearing aid out of their reach
Emotional abuse is non-physical, but it often accompanies physical or sexual abuse. Your loved one deserves to live in safety, security, and comfort. An attorney can identify the at-fault party to pursue compensation and justice.
Warning Signs that a Loved One May Be Experiencing Emotional Abuse
Nursing home abuse is an underreported crime. According to the NCEA, there are 24 unreported incidents of abuse for every one case that is reported.
It may be up to you to look for the potential red flags of emotional abuse in your loved one’s actions, appearance, and behavior, including:
- Sudden, unexplained loss of communication, contact, or social interaction
- Avoiding eye contact during physical or video visits
- Becoming withdrawn from favorite activities
- Developing changes in eating or sleeping patterns
- Appearing fearful, especially when the potential abuser is present
- Becoming anxious or depressed
- Displaying dangerous new behaviors, such as anger, violence, or self-harm
You have the right to speak to the nursing home administrator about any caregiver or situation that you feel may be causing emotional injury to your spouse or parent. You also have the right to consult a personal injury attorney.
For a free legal consultation with a Louisville Emotional Abuse Lawyer serving Louisville, call (800) 794-0444
What We Do as Your Emotional Abuse Lawyer
Your first step toward seeking compensation for emotional abuse is to call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm for a free case review. Although you could attempt to pursue damages on your own, our legal team can take care of the many details and ensure that your legal rights are protected. This gives you and your loved one peace of mind so that you may focus on healing and recovering from the trauma of emotional abuse.
As a valued client, you can rely on such legal and professional services as:
- A thorough evaluation of your case
- Collection of evidence
- Valuation of damages
- Negotiation with the insurance company
- Present a case for court if necessary
Throughout it all, your attorney will keep you informed of your case’s progress.
Louisville Louisville Emotional Abuse Lawyer Near Me (800) 794-0444
Compensation for Emotional Abuse Injuries
Your loved one has suffered because of someone’s intentional or negligent act. It is the liable party who should pay for these economic and emotional damages.
You and your loved one may be awarded for such damages as:
- Emergency room services
- Hospitalization
- Medical costs not covered by Medicare or private insurance
- Relocation and moving costs
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
A Louisville personal injury lawyer will vigorously pursue recovery while you focus on your loved one and your well-being.
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How to Help Your Loved One After Emotional Abuse
Some nursing home abuse survivors and their family members find that simply turning their case to an attorney is the first step toward recovery.
In our experience, you may also find it helpful to:
- Arrange for your loved one to talk with a licensed mental health professional, either individually or for the entire family.
- Allow your loved one time to grieve this trauma, but let him or her know that you are available to listen.
- Find an enjoyable activity or pastime that you and your loved one enjoy, such as playing cards, shopping, or making a favorite meal.
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Call for a Free Case Review
Emotional abuse can create tremendous mental injury and damages. A Louisville emotional abuse lawyer may be able to help you recover compensation and justice. Call a team member at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today for a free case review at (800) 842-6336.
Call or text (800) 794-0444 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
