Always Be on the Lookout for Signs of Abuse in Loved Ones at Nursing Homes
Finding out that their loved one is being abused or neglected while living in a nursing home is a situation that no one ever wants to face. The possibility of this scenario often weighs heavily on family members when they decide to move their loved ones into nursing homes, but they hope it never comes to pass. Unfortunately, nearly one-in-four nursing home residents is abused at least once while living in a care facility.
When you visit your loved one, it’s important to keep a close eye on them and always be on the lookout for signs of abuse or neglect. Check for the following:
- Unexplained bruises, cuts, or wounds—These can indicate that your loved one is being physically abused or even restrained against their will.
- Weight loss or dehydration—Residents may be abused or neglected by caregivers who withhold food and water from them because or negligence or as “punishment.”
- Anxiety and fear—Residents who are abused or neglected may come to fear staff members and caregivers. If you notice your loved one suddenly appears nervous or gets quiet around certain employees, it may be because they’re a victim of abuse.
As soon as you suspect nursing home abuse, it’s essential to get in touch with an experienced Roanoke nursing home abuse lawyer. At Skolrood Law Firm, we can begin collecting evidence to build your family’s compensation claim right away. Contact us today for a free consultation.
When Do You Need a Lawyer for a Nursing Home Abuse Claim?
The quick and easy answer to this question is always. When you find out your loved one has been abused or neglected, you should always talk to a lawyer about what happened at the very least. Although not all instances of nursing home abuse or neglect result in possible compensation claims, many do. But without an experienced lawyer on your side, you may find it difficult to get the money you and your loved one are owed.
At Skolrood Law Firm, our Roanoke nursing home abuse lawyers work hard to help abused nursing home residents and their loved ones get maximum compensation. We know that these claims are often emotional and painful, and we always handle them with extreme compassion, sensitivity, and care. There are few things more abhorrent than nursing homes not only failing to protect their residents, but also putting them in direct harm.
When we build nursing home claims for residents and their families, we do so with the goal of getting them money for all their expenses. These may include medical bills and compensation for pain and suffering, which can be significant. Many residents who were abused in their nursing homes face long roads to recovery not just physically, but also mentally and emotionally.
If your loved one was mistreated in a nursing home and you’re unsure of what to do next, call our firm. Our consultations are always free, and there’s no obligation to hire. Best of all, you’ll never see a bill from unless we get money for you. Contact us today for a free consultation to get started.
Nursing Home Residents Can Be Abused AND Neglected
When it comes to nursing home abuse and neglect, these forms of mistreatment aren’t mutually exclusive. In many cases, residents who are mistreated suffer both at the hands of staff members and caregivers who are supposed to take care of them. When abuse and neglect are combined, the risk that residents will suffer serious and even life-threatening harms increases significantly.
When abuse or neglect occur alone, it can be more difficult for family members to suspect that mistreatment is occurring. But when they occur together, it’s often much more obvious that something is wrong. For example, a resident who is abused and neglected may show bruises while also showing symptoms of hunger, dehydration, or lack of medical care.
In many cases, abuse and neglect go hand-in-hand. When staff members are willing to abuse or neglect residents, they’re also more willing to do the other. A staff member who physically abuses a resident may be willing to withhold food or liquids from them, while a staff member who leaves a resident alone for days at a time also may be willing to physically assault them.
If you suspect that your loved one is being abused, neglected, or both in their nursing home, it’s vital that you get experienced legal help as soon as possible. At Skolrood Law Firm, our Roanoke nursing home abuse lawyers know how to prove when mistreatment occurs and how to hold staff members and facilities accountable.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
