Nursing home abuse can be extremely upsetting and can have devastating consequences on the resident’s health. If you find out that your loved one suffered from abuse in their nursing home, you do not have to stand for it and can take action to hold the nursing home responsible.
Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today for a free evaluation of your case at (800) 842-6336.
The Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
There can be several different types of nursing home abuse, which is why any signs of abuse can sometimes be difficult to detect. While physical abuse, for example, typically shows clear signs on your loved one’s body, the signs of emotional abuse can be subtle and can be easily missed. The main types of nursing home abuse are:
Physical Abuse
If your loved one is suffering from physical abuse in the nursing home, you may be able to spot some of the signs on their body. Physical abuse is deliberate harm inflicted on another through physical acts such as hitting or kicking them. If you detect unexplained bruising, signs of restraint (especially on wrists), cuts, burns, and other injuries on your relative, you should investigate to find how and why this occurred. In extreme cases of physical abuse, your loved one may also suffer from unexplained fractures or dislocations.
For a free legal consultation with a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer serving Austin, call (800) 842-6336
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse in the nursing home includes forcing sexual behavior or sexual acts on a resident. In a nursing home context, sexual abuse can include unwanted nudity and touching or taking sexual videos and pictures of the resident without their consent. Signs that your loved one is suffering from sexual abuse can be bruising on the genitals, bloody or stained undergarments, or sexually transmitted infections. Your loved one may also show emotional changes and become withdrawn or fearful of caregivers.
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Emotional and Verbal Abuse
Emotional abuse may be difficult to spot. However, it can be just as damaging to the health of a senior as physical abuse. Emotional abuse can include ignoring the senior, humiliating them, and isolating them from social activities or family, for example. While there will not be any signs on the senior’s body, you may be able to see some signs in their general demeanor. If they have developed new depression, a fear of care staff, or have withdrawn themselves from others, they may be suffering from emotional abuse.
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General Neglect
Nursing home residents may need help with their daily necessities, such as eating, drinking, or personal hygiene. Neglecting those needs can have devastating health consequences, such as infections, malnutrition, and even death. You may have rightful suspicions if your relative suddenly looks unwashed or wears stained and dirty clothing. You should also ask some questions if they suddenly lost a lot of weight or hair for no apparent reason.
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Financial Abuse
While financial abuse does not harm a senior’s body, it can be very upsetting to find out that someone took advantage of them, or they became a victim of crime in the place that is supposed to keep them safe. Several different signs point to financial abuse, such as missing valuables, unpaid bills, empty bank accounts, and a suddenly changed will.
The Nursing Home Is Generally Responsible
Several state and federal laws protect seniors from nursing home abuse say that residents in a long-term care facility must be free from all types of abuse, per the Legal Information Institute (LII).
You may be able to hold the nursing home accountable for your loved one’s injuries and expenses if you can prove that the nursing home failed to keep your loved one safe from abuse and neglect.
What You Should Do if Your Loved One Suffers from Abuse
You may want to make sure that your relative is safe from any further abuse. According to Texas Health and Human Services (HHS), you can call (800) 842-6336 or file a complaint to report the suspected abuse of the elderly in nursing homes or other assisted living centers. You may also want to get law enforcement involved and call the police for help. If you suspect that the abuse is still happening, you will want to move your relative to a safe place as soon as possible.
In addition, you might want to think about taking legal action against the nursing home. One way to assess your legal options is to contact a law firm as soon as you spot any signs of abuse on your loved one. An Austin nursing home abuse lawyer can protect your loved one’s rights and help you pursue compensation from the nursing home.
If you can, you should also start to collect evidence of the abuse right away. This can be particularly helpful if you later decide to file a lawsuit. Important evidence can include:
- Pictures of the injuries
- Medical reports of injuries and treatments
- Witness statements
- Police reports
An Austin nursing home lawyer can help you gather the evidence needed for your case. To find out more, get in touch with Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today.
Nursing Home Abuse Compensation
Finding out that your loved one suffered from nursing home abuse can be devastating. However, receiving compensation can potentially help with any future medical needs and make life a little more comfortable for your loved one. Compensation in nursing home abuse cases can include:
- Doctor’s appointments
- Medicine
- Medical devices
- Medical transportation
- Rehabilitation
- Physical pain and anguish
- Mental distress
If your loved one passed away due to nursing home abuse, you could file a wrongful death lawsuit and potentially recover additional awards.
Contact Us Now
Do not wait and contact us immediately when you find out that your loved one suffered from nursing home abuse. An Austin nursing home abuse lawyer can help protect your legal interests and fight for justice and compensation. Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm now for a free consultation with one of our team members at (800) 842-6336.
Call or text (800) 842-6336 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form