When your elderly loved one’s needs require around-the-clock care, you may choose to place them in a nursing home. While this is not an easy decision to make, you expect that the facility’s care staff will treat your loved one with dignity and respect.
However, not all nursing homes are conscientious about providing pleasant living experiences to their residents. The U.S. Justice Department (DOJ) reports that one in 10 seniors suffers physical abuse each year, while one in 57 suffers from caregiver neglect. When a nursing home resident faces abuse or neglect, they may face physical, psychological, and even deadly consequences.
If your elderly loved one has suffered unexplained bruises, cuts, or burns, they may have fallen victim to physical abuse in their nursing home. At Pintas & Mullins Law Firm, a Louisville unexplained bruises or cuts or burns lawyer can help you understand the reasons behind your loved one’s maltreatment.
We will help you take appropriate legal action to hold the at-fault party (or parties) accountable for their actions. Call us at (800) 842-6336 today to begin a free, no-obligation case evaluation.
Signs of Physical Abuse and Neglect in Nursing Homes
If your loved one has suffered physical abuse or neglect in their nursing home, they may feel angry and overwhelmed. Yet, despite these infringements on their rights, some older adults may not complain for fear of retribution from the staff or to avoid burdening their loved ones.
However, you should always let your elderly loved ones know that it is safe to come to you with any concerns they might have. Be sure to investigate any concerns they bring to your attention. Moreover, make time to talk to them regularly so that you know how they are doing. This way, you will quickly spot any negative changes that may indicate physical abuse or neglect.
Below are the most common signs of physical abuse:
Bruises
You should investigate any bruises on your loved one. Older adults have more fragile skin because of collagen and elasticity loss. Any type of injury may leave bruises or discoloration. Seniors may also bruise because of a lack of adequate nutrition and hydration, which may point to neglect.
When a nursing home does not have adequate care staff, issues with understaffing may lead to instances of elder abuse and neglect. Caretakers may manhandle residents because of personal or work-related frustrations. Bruises may also come from slips and falls when residents attempt to bathe, go to the bathroom, or perform other tasks unassisted.
Sometimes, a nursing home’s staff may deliberately injure residents as a way to elicit fear and compliance. They may also use excessive force when restraining a confused or aggressive resident. You should investigate the cause of any bruises you find. If the nursing home refuses to acknowledge or resolve your situation, you may consider the value of working with a Louisville unexplained bruises or cuts or burns lawyer.
For a free legal consultation with a Unexplained Bruises or Cuts or Burns Lawyer serving Louisville, call (800) 842-6336
Cuts and Lacerations
Older adults have thinner skin than their younger counterparts. Therefore, they should be handled carefully or watched closely to ensure that they do not hurt themselves. Suppose an unsupervised resident cut themselves with a utensil at mealtime. In that case, the care staff may hold liability for that injury.
Similarly, some residents suffer from depression, psychosis, or other mental conditions that may predispose them toward self-harm. The nursing home staff ought to keep these patients safe by eliminating anything they can use to hurt themselves.
Cuts and lacerations can open up a resident’s body to infection; therefore, they should be treated and dressed until healed. You should always investigate any cuts you find on your loved one’s body and take action accordingly.
Louisville Unexplained Bruises or Cuts or Burns Lawyer Near Me (800) 842-6336
Burns
Residents in nursing homes should not have access to matches, candles, or other flammable items for safety reasons. If you find that your loved one has suffered burns, you have the right to know why. A lawyer from Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can approach the nursing home with your concerns and investigate the circumstances of your loved one’s injury. You can call our team today to discuss your legal options at no cost.
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What the Law Says About Elder Abuse
Various state and federal laws are in place to protect seniors from elder abuse and neglect. According to the Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987, any form of nursing home abuse or neglect is illegal. Liable parties may face both criminal and civil penalties. This act set the standards of care and supervision for nursing home residents. Also, the Elder Justice Act of 2009 outlines the guidelines for the treatment of older adults living in nursing homes.
If your loved one has suffered any physical trauma without explanation, you have a right to consult a lawyer and take action against the facility. However, collecting and documenting evidence of foul play is a complex process. A Louisville unexplained bruises or cuts or burns lawyer can visit the nursing home, gather evidence, and interview witnesses to advance your legal goals.
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Pintas & Mullins Law Firm: Personal Injury Lawyers at Your Service
Many older adults suffer physical abuse, neglect, and maltreatment in nursing homes because they do not understand their rights. Some cannot stand up for themselves because they cannot speak or remember the events leading to their injuries.
If you have any concerns regarding your loved one’s quality of life in a nursing home, a Louisville unexplained bruises or cuts or burns lawyer can help you. At Pintas & Mullins Law Firm, we have helped hundreds of personal injury claimants recover compensation for their abuse-related expenses. We want to help you too.
Do you have any concerns about your loved one’s treatment in a nursing home? Contact us at (800) 842-6336 to speak to one of our team members in a free case evaluation.
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