Affiliated nursing home abuse lawyers have years of experience in defending the rights of especially vulnerable citizens. Our affiliated lawyers have seen that nursing home abuse and neglect are unacceptably common and often result in long-term suffering or even the wrongful death of residents. Our affiliated lawyers have a strong record of helping victims of nursing home abuse and their families stop abuse and neglect and secure just compensation for their suffering and damages.
If you believe you have been a witness to nursing home abuse, contact our affiliated attorneys today to learn more about your rights and how you can protect your loved one.
Common Forms of Nursing Home Abuse
In 2000, the National Center on Elder Abuse cited a study where researchers surveyed more than 2000 nursing home residents in an effort to draw attention to the epidemic of nursing home abuse in this country. They learned that up to 44% of residents had suffered abuse, and a full 95% of residents said that they had either endured neglect or seen another resident suffer from neglect. Even more shocking, 50% of nursing home employees admitted to mistreating residents in some way.
Physical Abuse
The most common form of nursing home abuse reported is physical abuse, which sometimes resulted in permanent injury or permanent disability of residents. Instances of physical abuse noted included slapping, grabbing, shoving, and striking residents. Nursing home residents who have been physically abused may show bruises, lacerations, and broken bones. Family members may also note that they appear withdrawn or act afraid of certain staff members. Additionally, nursing home neglect often leaves signs on the bodies of residents, including bed sores, infections, and signs of malnutrition.
Psychological or Emotional Abuse
While physical abuse is most commonly reported in nursing homes, it is also the easiest form of abuse for family members to see because it may leave bruises or other visible signs. Many experts believe that emotional abuse is even more common. Forms of emotional nursing home abuse may include yelling at residents, ridicule and humiliation, swearing, intimidation, blaming, scapegoating, or simply ignoring a nursing home resident.
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse in nursing homes may be perpetrated by staff or by other residents when staff oversight fails. While violent sexual abuse does occur, it is often the case that residents are coerced into sexual situations.
Financial Abuse
Financial abuse in nursing homes is more common than families would like to believe. Residents may be manipulated so that they modify wills or deeds, or they may have account numbers or credit card numbers stolen. It is also possible for abusers to coerce nursing home residents into giving them access to financial information.
Lasting Effects of Nursing Home Abuse
According to studies cited by the National Center on Elder Abuse, a resource center funded by the Department of Health and Human Services' Administration on Aging, theeffects of nursing home abuse and neglect are severe and long-lasting.
Individuals who have endured elder abuse are more likely to suffer high levels of psychological distress which persist long after any abuse has ended. They are also more likely to suffer from health problems including bone and joint problems, chronic pain, heart problems, digestive problems, and high blood pressure than individuals who have not been subjected to nursing home abuse.
While these abused individuals are more likely to suffer severe health consequences for the rest of their lives, they are also far more likely to die earlier than non-victims: according to this data, abused elders "had a 300% higher risk of death when compared to those who had not been abused."
Speak with a Nursing Home Abuse Attorney
If you suspect that someone you love has been a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, you need to act quickly to ensure your loved one's safety. A qualified nursing home abuse attorney can help you properly document any abuse, file a lawsuit claim, and conduct the investigations necessary to build a strong case. Additionally, our affiliated attorneys will fight tirelessly until the best outcome for your situation is achieved. Not only is it possible to end your loved one's abuse, but you may also be able to secure compensation to help you provide the highest standard of care in the future. For more information, please contact or call us at 1-866-251-0808 today to schedule a free legal consultation with one of our affilated nursing home abuse lawyers.
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