Title 38 of the Code of Federal Regulations § 3.1 defines a veteran as a person who served in the armed forces, comprising the United States Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard, including any reserve components. According to the United States Census Bureau, there were 9.2 million veterans aged 65 and older in 2016.
Veterans can suffer from the same types of neglect as the general nursing home population. We believe that veterans deserve reverence, respect, and dignity in their senior years. If your loved one has suffered from any type of abuse in a nursing home facility, a Tucson veterans neglect and abuse lawyer can help. Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today for a free case review.
Types of Abuse and Neglect in Nursing Homes
According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), elder abuse is widespread in the United States, with one in ten Americans over the age of 60 suffering from some type of abuse.
Unfortunately, elderly veterans are among those suffering from abuse. A recent article by the USA Today highlights the plight of veterans, alleging that many Veteran Affairs nursing homes deliver substandard care that is causing actual harm to veterans. Types of abuse in nursing homes and veteran nursing homes can include:
Physical abuse Physical abuse can be staff using any type of inappropriate force on a resident, for example, rough-handling, or using restraints inappropriately. Staff using inappropriate drugs, for example, sedatives, in order to make a resident easier to manage, also counts as physical abuse. Unexplained bruises and fractures can be signs of physical abuse.
Emotional or verbal abuse
Veterans can suffer from emotional and verbal abuse in a nursing home, which can include humiliation, verbal threats, and isolation. While emotional abuse can be devastating for nursing home residents and have a detrimental impact on their mental and physical health, it can be much harder to prove since it does not leave any obvious marks on the body.
Financial abuseFinancial abuse can be anything from outright theft to tricking or pressurizing a veteran into giving away assets or money. This type of abuse can show up when the financial status of the elderly person changes drastically, for example when their bank account shows low balances or any bills remain unpaid.
Sexual abuse
According to the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care, sexual abuse can happen in many forms in nursing homes, including unwanted touching, forced nudity, and rape. Residents suffering from dementia are at a higher risk to become victims of abuse. The abusers can be staff or anyone else who comes into contact with a resident. Unexplained genital infections, bruising and bleeding of the genitals, and torn or blood-stained clothing can all point to sexual abuse.
General neglect
General neglect of an elderly veteran in the nursing home can come in many forms. The resident may be denied basic needs, such as help with eating or drinking, or help with personal hygiene needs. This has the potential to result in disastrous health effects on the resident, including malnutrition, dehydration, and the development of new bedsores.
There can be many forms of abuse in nursing homes and it is important to remember that any abuse and neglect in nursing homes is illegal. If your loved one suffered any injuries in a Tucson nursing home due to neglect, you most likely have legal recourse and can potentially hold the nursing home accountable.
A Tucson veterans neglect and abuse lawyer can advise you and determine whether you could file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit against a nursing home or a veterans’ community living center. Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today to discuss your case with a member of our team.
Veterans’ Legal Rights
Veterans and other nursing home residents are protected by law. Among other rights, residents have the right to be free from abuse and neglect in their nursing home.
If your loved one suffered injuries due to abuse or neglect in a veterans home or another nursing home, you could receive compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Medical devices
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional pain
You could also potentially receive other damages related to nursing home abuse. Contacting a Tucson veterans neglect and abuse lawyer can help you to get clear on your legal options.
For a free legal consultation with a Veterans Neglect and Abuse Lawyer serving Tucson, call (800) 794-0444
We Can Help
Finding out that your loved one suffered from abuse in a nursing home can be shocking and disturbing. You moved them to the nursing home with the understanding that they would be able to live out their remaining years in comfort and dignity. Our veterans, who have given so much for our country, should not have to worry about mistreatment and neglect in their nursing homes.
Nursing home abuse can happen for a multitude of reasons such as negligent hiring or short-staffing at the facility. The nursing home is generally responsible for upholding a good standard of care and ensuring that a facility is free from abuse and neglect.
While we cannot change what has happened to your loved one, we could help you hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions.
Taking a nursing home to court can be complicated and daunting but help is available. Having a Tucson veterans neglect and abuse lawyer by your side can help you with all aspects of building a case and taking legal action against a nursing home.
If you work with us, there will be no upfront fees or out-of-pocket costs as we do not charge any attorney’s fees unless we secure a settlement on your behalf. Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today for a free no-obligation assessment of your case.
Call or text (800) 794-0444 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
