Sexual abuse against a nursing home resident is a crime and a violation of your loved one’s civil rights. A Tulsa sexual abuse lawyer can help you protect your elderly loved one and seek compensation and justice.
If you suspect that your elderly loved one is being sexually abused in their nursing home, call the Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today. We can notify the proper agencies and help you and your loved one seek awards for losses.
Call for a free consultation. You have nothing to lose.
Types of Sexual Abuse
Sexual assault comprises many types of actions. All types, however, hold one thing in common: They happen against the victim’s will or without their consent. Sexual assault also covers actions that occur when an individual is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, disabled, or below the age of consent in the state where the assault transpired.
The National Institute of Justice lists the following activities as forms of sexual assault when they happen in the above circumstances:
- Intentionally touching the victim’s genitals, breasts, groin, or anus
- Exposing the victim to exhibitionisms
- Exposing the victim to pornography
- Voyeurism
- Publicly displaying images taken of the victim in a “private context” or without their knowledge
These actions may or may not involve the use of actual force, weapons, threats of force, intimidation, coercion, or pressure.
Rape
Although in some states, sexual assault stops short of attempted rape or rape, other states use the terms interchangeably, and still others consider rape to be a form of sexual assault. In a situation of rape, the victim suffers nonconsensual penetration (vaginal, anal, or oral), either by objects or the perpetrator’s body parts. This type of assault involves physical force or threats of physical harm. Alternatively, the victim is considered a minor or was incapacitated at the time of the assault.
Nursing Home Residents Have Rights
Nursing homes must follow the regulations of the Oklahoma State Department of Health. Nursing home residents do not lose their basic rights when they move into a long-term care facility. In fact, there are special guidelines and statutes that apply specifically to nursing home residents.
One of the basic rights of all nursing home residents is to live in a clean, safe place without violence or abuse. Sadly, some nursing homes turn a blind eye to various forms of abuse, including sexual abuse.
Sexual Abuse in a Nursing Home Is Illegal and Reprehensible
According to the Nursing Research and Practice, sexual abuse in a nursing home may include:
- Kissing
- Fondling
- Coerced nudity
- Sexual photography
- Sexual assault on genitals and anus
In short, any unwanted and nonconsensual sexual contact (physical, verbal harassment, or emotional manipulation based upon sex) classifies as elder sexual abuse. Any nursing home that allows this behavior should be held accountable.
For a free legal consultation with a Tulsa Sexual Abuse Lawyer serving Tulsa, call (800) 794-0444
Warning Signs of Sexual Abuse
The National Institute on Aging has a list of signs indicating sexual abuse. If you suspect that your spouse or parent is the victim of sexual abuse, act now.
Physical signs and symptoms of sexual abuse include the following:
- Injury and bruising to the genital areas, thighs, or breasts
- Pain or bleeding in the genital or anal areas
- Torn or bloodied clothes, underwear, or bedsheets
- Difficulty walking or sitting
Your loved one may also act fearful around their abuser.
Tulsa Tulsa Sexual Abuse Lawyer Near Me (800) 794-0444
How a Tulsa Sexual Abuse Lawyer Can Help
Nursing home residents who are sexually abused are often too frightened to report their abusers. They may fear an escalation or reprisal from their abuser. In some cases, the victim may not be physically or mentally able to speak out.
A nursing home abuse and neglect lawyer with the Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can investigate the nursing home for evidence.
We build your case using such facts as:
- Photos of injuries, bloody clothing or bedding, and other photographic evidence.
- Medical records like those used in police rape cases, including evidence of sexually transmitted diseases (STD).
- Eyewitness statements.
- Research into previous allegations or violations of the caregiver or home.
- Testimony from medical professionals.
Our lawyers identify all liable parties to hold them accountable for your loved one’s suffering.
Click to contact our Tulsa Sexual Abuse Lawyers today
Awards That May Apply in Your Case
Your loved one did not deserve to be sexually abused and should not have to suffer financially for this atrocious act.
You and your loved one could recover awards for:
- Medical care
- Therapy and rehabilitation
- Lost pay if you had to take time from work to care for your loved one
- Relocation and moving expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of companionship or consortium
A lawyer with the Pintas & Mullins Law Firm works for you on a contingency basis, so you do not have to pay upfront fees.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Helping a Loved One After Abuse
It is difficult for family members to know what to do when their loved one was sexually abused. Victims often blame themselves, which is a common but harmful belief.
Abuse and violence are traumatic enough, but it can be particularly taxing on the elderly. Sexual abuse can worsen medical conditions, such as heart disease, cancer, and dementia.
It takes time for sexual abuse victims to come to terms with their trauma. A mental health professional can be helpful for sexual abuse survivors.
Ways That You Can Help
- Allow your loved one time to process his or her emotions.
- Listen to them without judgment.
- Offer to take your loved one to a favorite place.
You and your loved one may also find closure when you attempt to hold a sexual abuser accountable. Calling a lawyer may allow you more time to focus on recovering from your injuries.
Call for a Free Consultation
Contact a Tulsa sexual abuse lawyer to help you recover compensation and justice for sexual elder abuse. Call the Pintas & Mullins Law Firm for a free consultation.
Call or text (800) 794-0444 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
