Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse
Nursing home abuse refers to the physical or emotional abuse of elderly and other vulnerable adults that take place in residential, long-term care facilities or nursing homes. Elder Abuse is a hidden problem and few people feel comfortable talking about it. In fact, abused seniors often refuse to report abuse, and when they do, they may be called demanding, confused or senile. You may not recognize the signs of physical or psychological abuse because they are also signs of other medical conditions.
At Henness & Haight, our attorneys are dedicated to providing victims and their families with the information and resources they need to help protect against abuse, neglect, and mistreatment suffered at the hands of nursing homes and their staff.
Nursing home abuse and neglect is associated with several types of injuries. Bedsores, malnutrition and dehydration, and fractures are the most common examples. We also represent people who have been injured in cases involving medication errors, falls, physical and sexual abuse, and infections. Our attorneys and staff are passionate about about helping victims of elder abuse, and we get our clients and their families the support they need.
Because of the ever increasing percentage of senior citizens in our country, elder abuse in nursing homes is a growing problem. If you observe that your loved one is not being properly groomed, that he or she is incontinent and is left sitting in waste for extended periods of time, that nursing home staff rarely enter the resident’s room, or any combination of the above conditions, you should immediately complain. Care may sometimes improve once family members begin to complain. However, don’t stop there. If you observe the same conditions again report your concerns to the Director and the Administrator of the nursing facility. It can also be helpful to begin to keep notes about what you have observed at the nursing home. Often when a lawsuit is filed the first question from the defense standpoint is whether family members complained about the lack of care.
If a nursing home fails to administer care in a professional and compassionate manner, and you or your loved one has suffered from inadequate care, you may be entitled to compensation. The federal government and each state protect the elderly from abuse by providing a legal cause of action against the abusers. Certain time limitations may prevent you from filing your claim if you delay in pursuing your rights.
In nursing home neglect and abuse cases, Henness & Haight does all the work without the client needing to pay anything up front. In these cases, we are paid only from the money we collect in the settlement of the case. Therefore, if there is no recovery, there are no attorneys fees. This system allows you to hire us to fight for you with no money down. If you believe your loved one has been or currenlty is the victim of such abuse, please call us today. We will fight for you.