Seniors are among the most vulnerable individuals in our society and, although we expect nursing homes and assisted living facilities to provide safety and care for our elderly loved ones, they also can be responsible for causing harm and trauma. Although many injuries occur due to understaffing and neglect, physical abuse or assault in nursing homes is a serious problem. In situations where the victim is afraid or is isolated and does not tell supervisors or family what is happening, it can be very difficult to prevent or stop abuse. It is important for family members to understand the risk of abuse and to know what signs indicate that abuse may have occurred and what to do about it.
First, understand that serious cases of physical abuse may constitute assault and battery, which is a criminal offense. If one resident is a victim of this kind of serious abuse, other residents may also be at risk. For the safety of all, it is important for family or friends to take action. If you believe your elderly loved one was physically assaulted by nursing home staff, you must report it and take legal action to ensure the responsible party is held liable. At Obenshain Law Group, our team of nursing home abuse attorneys is dedicated to providing determined legal advocacy on behalf of every client who seeks our help in righting a wrong.
Contact Obenshain Law Group today at (540) 318-7360 to request a free and confidential case review with a member of our team!
Recognizing the Signs
Nursing home residents cannot always speak up about the abuse they are facing whether it be due to fear, shame, or medical conditions that prevent them from articulating what happened. Therefore, it is crucial to know what signs to look out for, so you can protect your family member.
Below are some of the warning signs of nursing home assault:
- Injuries that cannot be explained
- Frequent injuries that seem suspicious
- Injuries that always occur on the same area of the body
- Broken personal items, such as glasses
- Nursing home staff refuses to leave you alone with your family member
- Changes in behavior that cannot be explained, such as anxiety or depression
- Clothing that is torn or bloody
- Loss of hair
- Significant delays before being allowed to see the resident
- Staff member who refuses to leave you alone with the resident
If you notice some of these signs, it is possible your elderly loved one may be a victim of abuse. Make sure you report it to Adult Protective Services (888-832-3858) or in the most serious cases, also call the police. Other considerations include whether to remove the resident from the nursing home and notifying supervisory personnel at the nursing home.
In addition to filing criminal charges, you may also be able to file a civil lawsuit, which is sometimes the only way nursing homes that are abusive or neglectful can be held accountable for your loved one’s injuries and suffering.
What Does Compensation Cover?
When you file a civil lawsuit against the nursing home that harmed your elderly loved one, you can pursue compensation that will cover a vast array of things, which include:
- Pain and suffering
- Medical bills
- Ongoing medical care
- Noneconomic damages
At Obenshain Law Group, we will fight to maximize compensation and ensure your loved one receives the compensation he or she deserves.
Contact Our Nursing Home Assault Attorneys for a Free Case Review!
No one should ever face abuse at the hands of a trusted caregiver. If your elderly loved one was assaulted while in the care of a nursing home, you need to take legal action now. At Obenshain Law Group, our team has the knowledge, experience, and compassion that is necessary to handle such delicate cases. You can count on our team to provide exceptional representation, so you can achieve justice.
Call our law firm today at (540) 318-7360 to schedule a free case review with a trusted member of our legal team. You do not have to go through this alone. We will be your voice in court.