The men and women that served in the U.S. military have the right to access veteran affairs community centers, where they receive care and respect. However, there have been increasing cases of veteran abuse, especially in nursing homes. If you have an elderly loved one who is a veteran but is suffering due to the staff’s negligence, contact a Philadelphia veterans neglect and abuse lawyer to pursue justice. Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 842-6336 for a free evaluation of your case.
According to the Government Accountability Office (GAO), there are over 130 government veteran community centers and nursing homes providing care to over 46,000 veterans across the United States. Statistics also reveal that veterans constitute about a third of the senior population in this country.
Different Forms of Veteran Abuse and Neglect
The federal government always shows its desire to treat veterans with dignity and honor as a token for their many contributions to our nation’s success. Our veterans deserve to spend their golden years in serenity.
On the contrary, the U.S. has witnessed troubling and alarming veteran abuse cases in recent times. Despite the government’s effort to integrate and fund Veteran Affairs Community Nursing Homes and living centers, elderly veterans are more vulnerable to abuse and neglect.
If your loved one is suffering from any form of neglect or abuse at a nursing home, reach out to a personal injury lawyer today.
There are several forms of veteran abuse.
Neglect
Neglect in veterans’ nursing homes can occur in different forms, like failure to supply residents with clean and sufficient water, improper nutrition, and failing to assist vets with their personal hygiene.
Other forms of negligence include refusing to offer medical services, withholding medication, failing to contact their doctors, or failing to take residents to scheduled medical appointments on time. Unintentional neglect occurs in instances such as the unavailability of resources or uneducated staff failing to observe schedules and basic needs.
Physical Abuse
Veterans of advanced age are more vulnerable to physical abuse because of their inability to defend themselves. Staff members can subject older adults to many forms of physical abuse, such as punching, burning, beating, or movement restriction using ropes or other binding materials.
Staff members should not apply force resulting in pain and injuries when caring for older adults. Giving veterans inappropriate medicine or subjecting them to any form of punishment is abuse. Contact a Philadelphia veterans neglect and abuse lawyer if your loved one has undergone physical abuse in a nursing home facility.
Psychological Abuse
Psychological abuse includes emotional torture and intentional subjection to mental anguish through various behaviors, such as verbal assault, humiliation, and threats.
Although you may not be present to witness your loved one experiencing psychological abuse, you can still identify it through signs such as:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Suicidal attempts
- Constant sadness
- Complaints of not enjoying life
- Malnutrition
- Poor hygiene
Financial Exploitation
Veterans are vulnerable to financial fraud, such as non-consensual use of their bank accounts or allocated funds. Exploitation also involves the forceful transfer of properties or the use of legal means to arrange for property guardianship inappropriately.
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse involves forceful sexual touch or harassment, which can include rape, non-consensual sexual conduct with a mentally unstable older adult, or taking inappropriate pictures or videos of the resident without their consent.
Why Veterans at Nursing Homes Are Vulnerable to Abuse
Malicious people target veterans at VA community nursing homes by taking advantage of their war-related injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) conditions. Veterans who do not have access to crucial social support systems, family networks, and friends usually lack physical and mental healthcare services.
Post-combat psychological and physical impacts increase their vulnerability to abuse and neglect. Veterans that underwent traumatizing combat experiences have problems maintaining stable personal relationships, increasing their dependency on VA community caregivers as they advance in age.
According to Harvard Medical School, mental conditions and trauma increase the risk of abuse. Also, physical impairments, including loss of one or more limbs, hearing problems, sight loss, and other impairments, make them more dependent on caregivers earlier in life than most seniors.
The chances of suffering from PTSD may force caregivers to restrain the veterans’ movements using excess chemicals, straps, or vests.
In such a situation, a lawyer can help you file a claim seeking a settlement to protect your family member. Your lawyer will investigate your claim by interviewing key witnesses and assessing the nursing home’s records. Once an attorney collects sufficient evidence to hold the perpetrators accountable for the losses that your loved one has suffered, they will file a claim on your relative’s behalf.
For a free legal consultation with a Philadelphia Veterans Neglect and Abuse Lawyer serving Philadelphia, call (800) 842-6336
Veteran Nursing Home Abuse Regulations
According to the regulations governing elderly abuse, VA community nursing homes have the mandate of providing compassionate care to veterans who meet stipulated requirements.
The facilities should ensure that they promptly and appropriately deal with any arising issues.
State laws prohibit abuse of the elderly at care facilities. Under state laws, you should report any cases of veteran neglect or abuse.
Older adults suffering harm resulting from abuse may be entitled to compensation and pursuing justice in these matters could also prevent the continuity of such forms of abuse.
Philadelphia Philadelphia Veterans Neglect and Abuse Lawyer Near Me (800) 842-6336
Contact a Philadelphia Veterans Neglect and Abuse Lawyer
The neglect and abuse of veterans in nursing homes can leave your loved one with severe injuries and other damages. Our attorneys can help you file a lawsuit to protect the interests of your loved one. Our legal team will gather sufficient evidence, involve other professionals to estimate your losses, and file a claim. Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 842-6336 to speak to a team member about your case today.
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