Nursing Home Abuse: More Common Than You May Think
Studies show that 1 to 2 million Americans over 65 have been abused, neglected or mistreated by a trusted caregiver. Furthermore, one out of every three nursing homes across the country have been cited for nursing home abuse. This abuse can include neglect, physical, sexual and emotional abuse. Unfortunately, many of these cases go unreported.
What is Considered Abuse?
When the staff of a nursing facility fails to care for its residents in a safe and reasonable manner, abuse occurs. Nursing home abuse is not a cut and dry issue, and if you suspect a loved one has been a victim, you should contact a skilled personal injury lawyer who will help you through the process of seeking damages.
There are many issues that fall into the category of nursing home abuse. Each year approximately 75 percent of nursing home patients suffer from a fall. This is more than double the amount of seniors who fall who do not live in a nursing home facility. This may be due to in-attentive staff, slippery floors, and height of the beds. Falls are the largest cause of potentially preventable emergency room visits for nursing home residents, at 36 percent of the visits. Other common symptom of abuse include dehydration, malnourishment, sepsis, over-medicating, and incorrect medication. Sadly in some cases this abuse will result in the wrongful death of the victim.
Watch for Warning Signs
It is frightening to think that abuse can happen to a loved, however there are signs you can look out for to make sure that nursing home abuse is not happening.
Possible signs of Nursing Home Neglect/Abuse
-Bruises and welts
-Burns and abrasions
-Broken bones
-Bad personal hygiene
-Bed sores
-Loss of hair
-Sudden change in weight
-Unexplained or unexpected death
Strange behavior, sudden agitation and emotional withdraw can also be signs indicative of abuse.
If you keep your eyes out for these signs and behaviors, you will help reduce the risk of your loved one being hurt or abused by the people and facilities entrusted with their care.
If You Believe Your Loved One has Suffered Abuse
If You have reason to believe a loved one has suffered abuse at the hands of a nursing facility, always seek out a skilled personal injury attorney. They will be able to investigate the claim and will fight to get you and your loved one the compensation they deserve.
The attorneys at Fellows Hymowitz Rice P.C. have a record of success in handling a wide range of cases including nursing home abuse and neglect claims. We bring the same individual commitment and dedication to each case, big or small. If you have been injured or sustained loss in any type of accident as a result of someone else’s fault call us for a free confidential consultation at 845-639-9300.