If you have a loved one living in a nursing home, you trust that their health and well-being is in good hands. After all, nursing homes provide trained staff and around-the-clock medical care.
Unfortunately, not every nursing home resident has a pleasant experience. In some cases, abuse and neglect can occur.
If your loved one experienced any bruising, cuts, or burns while living in a nursing home, they may be experiencing a form of abuse. This could be grounds for legal action, and some victims of nursing home abuse are able to collect compensation for their suffering. If you would like to learn more about your legal options, contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm. A Savannah unexplained bruises or cuts or burns lawyer can help you build a case. Call us today for a free consultation with one of our team members.
Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
In the United States alone, there are over one million nursing home residents, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). With an increasing life expectancy and population growth, this number is set to increase for years to come.
While nursing homes can provide a safe, comfortable, and fulfilling living environment for most residents, this is sadly not always the case. Thousands of elderly adults living in nursing homes are subject to abuse every year. According to the United States Justice Department, at least 10% of elderly adults over the age of 65 will experience a form of physical abuse in any given year. This same study suggests that 1 in 57 suffer from caregiver neglect annually. The World Health Organization (WHO) additionally reported a staggering figure in 2020: 2 out of 3 staff members of nursing homes and assisted living facilities admitted to mistreating an elderly adult in the past year.
The statistics surrounding elder abuse and neglect are alarming. If you notice any unexplained bruises, cuts, or scrapes on a loved one, they could be in danger. There are other warning signs that may help you determine if something could be wrong, including:
- Complaints against a specific staff member
- Emotional withdrawal
- Anxiety and depression
- Sudden change in personality
- Unexplained signs of physical trauma
- Injuries occurring suddenly or without explanation
- Loss of appetite
- Staff members of a facility failing to answer questions directly
- Unkempt physical appearance
If you have even a slight suspicion that something could be wrong, you should report it to the appropriate authorities immediately. This could help protect your loved ones as well as others who could be victims of dangerous behavior. Abusers in nursing homes can be caregivers, facility staff, medical professionals, visitors, or even other residents.
Examples of Abuse and Neglect
There are many different types of events that could lead to unexplained bruises, cuts, or burns for nursing home residents. It is certainly possible that an accident could have caused these unusual signs of physical trauma. In many cases, however, these could be the result of the mistreatment of your loved one.
Some behaviors that could be abusive or neglectful in nature include pushing, slapping, kicking, striking, or any other intentional physical action that can harm another person. Some other inappropriate actions could be more subtle. If a facility fails to keep their premises safe and your loved one falls, for example, this act of neglect could lead to unexplained injury. Examples of neglect could be a loose guardrail or slippery floor that leads to a fall, or a lack of supervision that puts a nursing home resident in a potentially dangerous situation.
A nursing home should be a safe place for your loved one, with trusted caregivers who put you and your family at ease with the comfort of knowing your loved one is well taken care of. There are even federal guidelines that aim to make nursing homes as safe as possible. If you think your loved one suffered mistreatment, the most important thing you can do is protect their immediate safety. In the aftermath of a potentially abusive or neglectful situation, you may also want to consider your legal options. Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today for a free case evaluation.
The Nursing Home Reform Act
If your loved one suffered from unexplained bruises, cuts, or burns, this could be in direct violation of federal law. The Nursing Home Reform Act, established in 1987, requires all nursing homes to maintain the highest possible standard of care for residents. The nursing home caregivers, facility, and those responsible for the health and well-being of your loved one could be failing to meet this standard if there are signs of physical trauma such as bruises, cuts, or burns.
Potentially Recoverable Compensation
Victims of unexplained bruises, cuts, or burns are in many cases eligible for compensation. This could include medical expenses, pain and suffering, and more. There is a statute of limitations in most states, so acting in a timely manner can help ensure your loved one is eligible for the maximum amount of compensation. Every situation is unique, but a Savannah unexplained bruises or cuts or burns lawyer from Pintas & Mullins Law Firm is available to help you understand if you have a legitimate case.
For a free legal consultation with a Savannah Unexplained Bruises or Cuts or Burns Lawyer serving nationwide, call (800) 794-0444
Understanding Your Legal Options
Discovering unexplained bruises, cuts, or burns on a loved one can be traumatic. You may be dealing with the immediate physical injuries, medical bills, and emotional turmoil while wondering if your loved one suffered mistreatment by trusted caregivers. It is important during this difficult time to remember that you have options. If you are interested in learning more about legal action available for you and your family, connect with a Savannah unexplained bruises or cuts or burns lawyer. A team member from Pintas & Mullins Law Firm will be able to answer your questions about the legal process and help you determine if you have a case. Your loved one deserves justice; call us today.
Call or text (800) 794-0444 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
