Questions about Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
At The Cochran Firm, we understand the sensitivity of nursing home abuse cases. Our lawyers are dedicated to the well-being of you and your loved ones. We will fight to get you the compensation you deserve so you can move forward with your lives and put this traumatic ordeal behind you.
What are the types of nursing home abuse?
Nursing home abuse falls into two categories: neglect and abuse. Neglect often occurs in the form of failure to groom, failure to properly medicate and failure to provide sufficient basic needs such as food and water, which can lead to malnutrition and dehydration. Abuse can be physical, psychological, financial, sexual or verbal. Examples include punching and kicking, overmedicating, belittling and verbally abusing, and stealing money or tampering with funds. Sadly, there are also a number of cases that involve sexual abuse and rape among elderly residents.
What kind of damages can I recover?
If you or a loved one has been injured because of nursing home abuse or neglect, you may able to collect compensation for:
- Economic damages: including compensation for medical expenses, both past and future, as well as other out-of-pocket expenses.
- Non-economic damages: including loss of quality of life, emotional turmoil, pain and suffering and loss of companionship.
- Physical impairment and/or disfigurement: including money for scars or physical disability for injuries caused by nursing staff negligence.
How can I tell if my loved one is being neglected or abused?
During your visit, look for warning signs such as:
- Unexplained injuries and fractures
- Bedsores, bruises or lacerations
- Signs of malnutrition and dehydration
- Renal failure
- Improper medication or constantly being kept in an over-medicated state
- Rapid weight gain or loss
- Sudden change in mood and behavior
- Unsanitary conditions
- Understaffing or hostile employees
- Unexpected death
What are some examples of nursing home negligence or abuse?
Nursing home abuse and neglect can present itself in many forms. Here are the most common:
- Failure to provide food or water or failure to prevent malnutrition or dehydration
- Failure to assist with or maintain a resident’s personal hygiene
- Failure to provide safe, clean and decent living conditions
- Failure to provide sufficient medical care and assistance with medical devices
- Failure to prevent a resident from developing bed sores or failing to provide adequate treatment to promote healing
How can I find a safe and reputable nursing home?
Begin by considering a number of factors, such as location, visiting policies and patient-to-staff ratio. Also investigate the experience and training of staff, and what the employee prerequisites include. Visit the nursing home of your choice and assess the:
- Appearance of the facility and its residents
- Friendliness of the staff
- Sleeping accommodations
- Daily activities
- Dining facilities and menus
- Health-care issues
- Overall operation of the facility
If your loved one has been victimized by nursing home abuse or neglect, please contact the qualified attorneys at The Cochran Firm today. We can help you move forward with this difficult claim and hold the guilty party responsible for your family’s suffering.