If your loved one is a nursing home resident and they experienced abuse, it is important to understand your legal options. While every case is different, you could be eligible for financial compensation. It is important to review your case with a legal professional who can help you determine the best course of action. Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today for your free consultation with a Riverside physical abuse lawyer.
Nursing Home Abuse Is Not Uncommon
Nursing homes are a common living situation for older adults and provide help with physical and medical needs. They also frequently offer recreational activities to keep residents socially and mentally stimulated. This can be a healthy, productive environment for many residents. Nursing homes can help you manage your well-being in the absence of other caregivers in your life.
Not everyone has a positive experience in nursing homes. Some residents get lonely and depressed. Others might experience physical abuse, psychological abuse, or neglect. Even the most benign cases of abuse and neglect should be taken seriously, as they can be detrimental to the health of the victim. More serious cases of abuse can ruin your life. In severe instances, abuse can lead to the death of a nursing home resident.
Physical Abuse in Nursing Homes
Physical abuse in nursing homes is a serious problem and threat to residents. The perpetrators of abuse can be the trained staff members you trust, other residents in a nursing home, or outside visitors who are granted access to the facility.
Unfortunately, abuse in nursing homes is prevalent. Physical abuse, or an unwanted physical action causing harm to an individual, is one form of abuse that occurs in nursing homes. Examples of the signs of elder abuse include:
- Hitting
- Striking
- Biting
- Pushing
- Slapping
- Shaking
- Throwing objects at a resident
- Any other action that can cause physical harm
If you witnessed any of these actions, your loved one or another resident might be a victim of physical abuse. It is important to report any abusive behavior immediately and seek medical help for any injuries that occurred. The effects of abuse can last a long time. Understanding the warning signs can help you prevent it.
Warning Signs
The warning signs of abuse vary greatly. Keeping an eye out for any indicators that physical abuse might be taking place will help protect your family member and those around them. If you notice any of the following warning signs, take action and alert someone who can help.
- Sudden shift in mood, or depression
- Sleeping difficulties
- Bruises, abrasions, or cuts
- Social withdrawal
- Fear of a particular person
- Scarring
- Swelling
Risk Factors for Abuse
You may find yourself in a more vulnerable state as you age. You physically deteriorate in strength and stature and might become easily disoriented or confused. This makes the elderly population at a particularly high risk for physical elder abuse, as perpetrators can more easily take advantage of you. Sometimes nursing home residents do not have the familial or social support they need to help prevent abuse. With fewer people around to report to, it is easier for abusers to avoid discipline for their actions. We are available if you need to speak with a Riverside physical abuse lawyer about your loved one’s situation.
Common Injuries from Physical Abuse
Physical abuse injuries can be serious, but even the slightest of injuries should be reported. Abuse victims often suffer from injuries such as:
- Bruises
- Fractures
- Broken bones
- Spinal injury
- Concussions
No injury is too insignificant to be ignored. Physical abuse is illegal and can put one’s health in jeopardy. It can take days, weeks, months, or even years to recover mentally and physically from abuse. If you are experiencing physical abuse or witnessed the physical abuse of others in a nursing home, seek help immediately.
For a free legal consultation with a Physical Abuse Lawyer serving Riverside, call (800) 794-0444
Pintas & Mullins Law Firm Will Fight on Your Loved One’s Behalf
A nursing home abuse victim and their family only have a certain amount of time to make a legal claim in a physical abuse case. It is important to act quickly if you are a victim of physical abuse and want to take legal action. You could be eligible for medical reimbursement and other forms of compensation.
The legal process can be arduous and intimidating, but there is a Riverside physical abuse lawyer that can help you understand your options. Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today to learn more about what you can do next. Your loved ones deserve to be safe, healthy, and happy while living in a nursing home. Call today so that you can begin to focus on your recovery.
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