Nursing Home Negligence or Abuse
Statute of Limitations Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 12-542
- Two years from when the injury was discovered, or reasonably should have been discovered.
Medical Malpractice
Statute of Limitations Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§ 12-502 and 12-542
- Two years from when the injury was discovered, or reasonably should have been discovered. Minors have until two years after their 18th birthday to file suit.
Wrongful Death
Statute of Limitations Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 12-542
- Two years
Damages Caps Arizona Constitution, Article 2, § 31
- None. The amount of punitive damages rests in the jury’s discretion and will not be disturbed on appeal unless it is so unreasonable that it is the product of passion or prejudice.
The information provided here was prepared by the Pintas & Mullins Law Firm for research and informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. While we try to keep this information current, the law is subject to change and it may not be reflected here immediately.
The Pintas & Mullins Law Firm expressly disclaims all liability with respect to actions taken or not taken based on the information provided. If you have a legal question or problem, please consult an attorney immediately.
Many families put their trust in nursing homes as their family members age and require medical care on a continuous basis. Some nursing homes betray this trust. If you discover a family member has suffered a nursing home injury in Arizona, it’s important that you move quickly to help them.
In cases where someone else caused the injury, you may need to report a nursing home injury to the police and the state of Arizona. You may also consider an Arizona nursing home injury lawyer to help your family member. Get in touch with Pintas & Mullins Law Firm.
Review Types of Nursing Home Injuries in Arizona
There are many different types of injuries that may occur in Arizona at a nursing home. The National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) reported on some types of injuries suffered by individuals over the age of 65. These types of injuries may be caused by:
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse may come to mind first when considering nursing home abuse. Any form of bodily injury may result from physical abuse. If nursing home employees pinch your family member, it could be a form of physical abuse, for example. Physical abuse may also involve tightening restraints too much and leaving behind bruises and other damage. Other residents of a nursing home may also cause injuries if they engage in physical abuse.
Mental Abuse
Your loved one could experience mental or emotional injuries at the hands of nursing home employees. This kind of abuse may continue undetected for a lengthy amount of time, as it does not leave behind physical marks. You may suspect mental abuse if your loved one:
- Becomes socially withdrawn
- Develops low self-esteem
- Experiences depression
- Engages in emotional outbursts
Keep an eye out for these signs.
Sexual Abuse
It may be difficult to consider the reality that an elderly loved one could experience sexual abuse. Unfortunately, sexual abuse in nursing homes happens. You may only suspect sexual abuse if the nursing home reports that your loved one has developed a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Other symptoms, such as rapid weight loss or depression, may also signal this type of abuse.
Neglect
Individuals in nursing homes may face neglect that leads to injuries. Neglect occurs when your loved one does not receive an adequate level of care. In some cases, nursing home employees fail to properly feed patients. They may also ignore patient hygiene and basic medical treatment.
Causes of Nursing Home Injuries in Arizona
Nursing home injuries may occur for a number of different reasons. In some cases, the care providers working at a nursing home may engage in abusive behaviors that cause injuries if:
- They are stressed by their work.
- They use alcohol or drugs.
- They suffer from a mental illness.
- They did not receive enough training.
- They do not get enough help from their coworkers.
Sometimes, the nursing home administrators may take actions that result in instances of nursing home injuries. For example, administrators who refuse to properly staff their facilities may be accountable for injuries of residents.
Note that nursing home employees who are overworked may engage in neglect of your loved ones. While neglect may not be as obvious as other forms of abuse, it can cause equally serious injuries. Your family members may not receive the medications and treatments they need on time if they are experiencing neglect in a nursing home.
For a free legal consultation with an nursing home injury lawyer serving Arizona, call (800) 794-0444
Warnings Signs of Arizona Nursing Home Abuse
Sometimes, individuals suffering from injuries in a nursing home may be able to tell you what is going on. Nursing home injuries may also occur to individuals who cannot clearly communicate. In these situations, it is important that you look for warning signs that can indicate a loved one is dealing with a nursing home injury. For example, you may be able to detect neglect if you notice that your loved one:
- Is dehydrated
- Appears malnourished
- Goes through weight fluctuations
- Develops bedsores
- Has an unclean living area
You may suspect acts of physical abuse if your loved one has strange bruises, burns, or cuts. Any sign of violence could indicate physical abuse against your loved one. Emotional abuse may also come with certain warning signs. You may want to take steps if you notice that your family member is:
- Emotionally agitated
- Prone to yelling or crying
- Withdrawing from you
- Quiet around nursing home staff members
Any behavior that seems outside of normal for your loved one could be a sign that something is wrong. You should also be cautious if your family member begins losing money or belongings.
Arizona Nursing Home Injury Lawyer Near Me (800) 794-0444
Get Help from an Arizona Nursing Home Injury Lawyer
Pintas & Mullins Law Firm may be able to step in to help if you believe a family member is suffering through nursing home abuse in Arizona. You can contact us right now to discuss your case in a free consultation. We don’t shy away from taking on tough cases and believe in stopping your loved one from experiencing additional harm.
Our Arizona nursing home injury lawyers handle cases like yours. Allow us to investigate the nursing home, medical records from your loved ones, charts from the nursing home, and state reports regarding the facility.
Reach out to us through a no-obligation consultation. You do not have to pay us up front to begin working on your case. In fact, we only accept payment if we can resolve your case through a settlement or the court system in Arizona. Find out more by contacting us today.
Call or text (800) 794-0444 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
