Nursing Home Abuse—FAQ
When you suspect that your loved one is being abused or neglected in a nursing home, it’s important that you listen to your instincts and get answers quickly.
In addition to connecting nursing home abuse victims and their families with the right elder abuse lawyers, we are also dedicated to educating families about the threat of nursing home injury to their loved ones.
The nursing home lawsuit attorneys in our network are committed to listening to the concerns of people who entrust their loved ones to the care of nursing home facilities. Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about nursing home abuse our network has heard from clients.
How common is abuse and neglect in nursing homes?
It’s difficult to know just how often abuse and neglect occur in the U.S. Studies suggest that one in 10 elderly people are abused each year. If that staggering number wasn’t enough, researchers suspect that elder abuse in nursing homes is tremendously underreported, so the actual number could be much higher.
More research is needed to fully understand the scope of the problem. But the lawyers in our network know from experience that the numbers are high, because they’ve worked on behalf of countless families who’ve experienced this trauma.
Who in the nursing home might be abusing my loved one?
Quite often, elderly residents are abused by nursing home staff members. But one of the most common sources of abuse in nursing homes is other residents. From physical assaults and theft to verbal and emotional abuse, nursing home abuse can take many different forms. Regardless of who the abusers are, it’s the nursing home’s responsibility to keep residents safe from all harm.
Is neglect the same thing as abuse?
Neglect is absolutely abuse. The consequences of neglecting an elderly nursing home resident include bedsores, fractures, malnutrition, dehydration, falls, poor hygiene, and mental health issues. The effects of neglect are quite similar to those of physical abuse.
Can I file a lawsuit against a nursing home?
Yes, you can file a lawsuit on behalf of your loved one for the harm they’ve suffered in a nursing home. These lawsuits give you and your loved one the opportunity to get compensation for the costs of their pain and suffering, medical expenses, etc.
Can I file a lawsuit after signing an arbitration agreement?
Yes, you can. There are still legal options available, even if you signed that arbitration agreement. Some attorneys won’t take cases involving arbitration, but that does not mean you can’t find the help you need.
Nursing home abuse lawyers within our network accept cases involving arbitration. Don’t give up hope simply because an arbitration agreement was signed with a nursing home. Help is here.
What are the most common signs of nursing home abuse and neglect?
Some of the signs that nursing home residents are being abused include: bedsores, bruises, fractures, cuts, frequent infections, and any falls or injuries that just don’t have a clear explanation.
Emotional abuse is also prevalent in nursing homes. Those signs include changes in personality, withdrawal, mood swings, depression, anxiety, and fear of staff or other residents.
The above signs, along with poor hygiene, loss of mobility, and malnutrition, are some of the many signs that your loved one could be experiencing abuse and neglect.
What Should I Do if My Loved One Is Being Abused in Their Nursing Home?
The first step is to speak to your loved one privately. Ask them if they need help. Whether they answer clearly or seem to struggle with communication, you should address your concerns immediately. You can call the authorities and reach out to us to put you in touch with an experienced nursing home law firm that can help you right away.
Nursing homes that neglect and abuse residents MUST be held accountable. A lawsuit it the best way to do this. Through a lawsuit, you’ll insist that your loved one be compensated for the pain while also preventing further abuses from happening.
