Entrusting a loved one to the care of a nursing home or assisted living facility can be a difficult, sensitive, and emotional decision. Families trust that the facility will treat their loved one with respect and compassion. Sadly, statistics indicate that more than 500,000 adults over the age of 60 are abused or neglected in the United States each year. Elder abuse is particularly a problem in nursing homes that provide around-the-clock care to senior citizens. Common warning signs of nursing home abuse range from unexplained injuries and bedsores to sudden weight loss and the disappearance of money or valuables.
If you suspect that a loved one is being mistreated while in an assisted living facility, a Louisville nursing home abuse lawyer could help. They could investigate the incident, collect evidence, and speak to witnesses to help prove that the nursing home is negligent. Let a skilled personal injury attorney help you seek justice for your loved one.
A fundamental right of a nursing home resident is to be able to live in an environment that is free of abusive or neglectful conduct. Abuse is a broad concept that applies to a wide range of actions that can result in unhealthy and life-threatening situations.
Neglect in the nursing home context refers to the intentional or unintentional failure to provide the required level of care. Examples include leaving a resident unattended for an extended period of time, dismissing or ignoring a resident’s complaints, or not reporting medical emergencies.
Physical abuse is the intentional infliction of bodily harm on a nursing home resident. It can include striking, kicking, biting, shoving, or restraining.
Verbal abuse can have long-term psychological effects that damage a nursing home resident’s quality of life and mental wellbeing. Verbal abuse can be carried out by name-calling, insulting a senior citizen’s appearance or intelligence, or threatening to have the individual live elsewhere.
Sexual abuse is one of the most difficult forms of elder exploitation that a Louisville nursing home abuse lawyer is likely to encounter. It can result in physical injury, psychological, and emotional harm.
Those who commit financial exploitation in a nursing home do so by befriending a resident and gaining their trust. Examples include stealing money, forging documents, and abusing power of attorney duties.
Anyone who has a family member or friend in a nursing home should consider reaching out to a Louisville nursing home abuse lawyer if they notice the deterioration of their loved one’s physical, emotional, social, or financial state. Warning sign include:
It is vitally important for anyone with a loved one in a nursing home to actively look for signs of abuse. In many cases, a resident will decline to report abuse out of embarrassment or fear of retaliation. Residents of long-term care facilities have rights under Kentucky law, the violation of which can form the basis of a claim for damages.
Nursing homes should offer a confident and positive solution for an elderly individual to receive daily medical care and services in a nurturing environment. Unfortunately, nursing home abuse occurs far too often. Speak to a Louisville nursing home abuse lawyer to discuss your observations and explore your legal options. Let our team help you recover the compensation you need. Call today.
5 Star Google Reviews ★★★★★ Google Review
Fill out this form to get in touch with us today and schedule a consultation. Your time is always valuable to us and we will respond as soon as we can.
