No one likes to think about their loved ones being abused or harmed. Whether mistreatment is intentional or the result of neglect, it breaks your heart if a loved one gets hurt.
Sadly, according to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), an estimated 5 million elderly people are abused every year. Many of these people reside in nursing homes and suffer at the hands of staff.
If this happens to your loved one while they are residing in a nursing home facility, it can be emotionally devastating when you find out. You might be in complete shock and unsure about what to do next. If you notice unexplained marks on your loved one’s body, such as bruises, cuts, or burns, then it is time to act.
This could be a strong case for nursing home abuse or neglect. It does not matter which one it is because a senior care facility is responsible for caring for and protecting your loved one from harm.
You do not have to face this alone. Working with a San Diego unexplained bruises or cuts or burns lawyers at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can help you begin the healing process as you seek to recover the financial damages of your loved one’s pain and suffering.
Call now at (800) 842-6336 to schedule a free consultation where you can share the details of your loved one’s situation, and we can help you review your legal options.
Why Abuse Happens at Nursing Homes
It is hard to imagine anyone abusing people, let alone elderly people who might be incapable of defending themselves. It is especially startling when this occurs at a place designed for well-being and health like a nursing home. There are many reasons why nursing home residents are abused while in care. Sometimes the abuse stems from negligence, which the nursing home is still responsible for.
Then other times, staff physically assaults a resident because they are angry or frustrated. The staff person may not have been thoroughly screened when they were hired. Mental health issues could be an issue, as well. Some people have problems controlling their temper.
However, if your loved one was abused at a nursing home facility, there is no excuse for it, and you have a right to seek financial recovery for injuries and losses suffered.
Understanding the Law and Your Rights
When your loved one has unexplained marks, such as bruises and/or cuts and/or burns, then it is a very serious situation. In addition to seeking legal action, you could contact law enforcement or a state agency that oversees senior care facilities and file a complaint.
The California Department of Aging advises calling 9-1-1 if your loved one is in immediate danger. If they are not in immediate danger, you can contact the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman (OSLTCO). According to the state’s Adult Protective Services (APS), law enforcement agencies in California and OSLTCO must cross-report elder abuse allegations to the appropriate agencies and entities.
No matter how the incident occurred, the nursing home facility could be held liable because they are in charge of your loved one’s well-being. You could have a strong case and seek to have the nursing home facility pay for the damages your loved one suffered due to their negligence.
When filing a personal injury and neglect case against a nursing home facility, your San Diego unexplained bruises or cuts or burns lawyer can file a claim for you within California’s statute of limitations. California Code of Civil Procedure (CCP) §335.1 states that you have up to two years to file a legal action in a personal injury case.
If you are ready to get started on your case, give Pintas & Mullins a call today to discuss your next steps. We want to hear the specifics in your case to see how we can help you.
For a free legal consultation with a San Diego Unexplained Bruises or Cuts or Burns Lawyer serving San Diego, call (800) 842-6336
Next Steps if You Suspect Your Loved One Is Being Physically Abused
You may be wondering what you should do if you think a nursing home facility’s staff violated your loved one. Maybe you have noticed some bruises, cuts, or burns on their body. It can be difficult to take action without knowing what the right action is.
As you look your loved one over for marks like bruises, cuts, scratches, or burn marks, take pictures of the wounds, and make notes. Also, write down the date you saw the injuries and any other information you think is relevant. This will help your attorney with a timeline.
At the same time, talk to your loved one about what is going on. Sometimes people in nursing homes are afraid to speak up, but if you ask specifically what happened, they might open up.
Finally, you could contact your San Diego unexplained bruises or cuts or burns lawyer if you are interested in pursuing legal action.
An attorney can review the details of your situation and help you move forward to the next phase. Your information will be protected and handled discreetly so that you can have peace of mind while going through this ordeal.
San Diego San Diego Unexplained Bruises or Cuts or Burns Lawyer Near Me (800) 842-6336
Connect with a San Diego Unexplained Bruises or Cuts or Burns Lawyer
At Pintas & Mullins Law Firm, we are here for you. A San Diego rapid weight loss or hair loss lawyer can help you get started with your case. Your loved one has the right to feel safe, and financial recovery might be the new start needed.
Seeking a fair settlement for the damages incurred can help you and your loved one start to put your lives back together. Contact us to schedule a free consultation today at (800) 842-6336.
Call or text (800) 842-6336 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
