Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

Unlike abuse, neglect arises from inaction or indifference. It is the failure to provide necessary goods, services, and care to avoid harm. The Code of Federal Regulations defines neglect as “the failure to provide goods and services necessary to avoid physical harm, mental anguish, or mental illness.”

Examples of neglect include:

• Failure to provide oral/dental care
• Inadequate assistance with personal hygiene or toileting
• Ignoring bed bound patients or failing to engage them
• Failure to provide wound care or hydration
• Leaving call lights unanswered

If you have a family member in a nursing home, be vigilant for signs of abuse or neglect. These may include:

• Physical Abuse: Broken bones, bruises, signs of overuse of restraints, and inappropriate medication use.
• Emotional Abuse: Unusual fear or withdrawal, particularly around certain staff members.
• Sexual Abuse: Unexplained genital infections, bruising, or torn undergarments.
• Neglect: Dirty clothing, bedsores, unexplained weight loss, dehydration, and unkempt appearance.

If you notice any of these signs, document them and immediately contact the nursing home administration. If the situation does not improve, you should consider involving law enforcement and removing your loved one from the facility. Once removed, seek legal counsel from an experienced nursing home abuse attorney.

In nursing home abuse cases, victims may be entitled to two types of damages:

• Compensatory Damages: These include both economic damages (e.g., medical expenses, lost wages) and non-economic damages (e.g., pain and suffering, emotional distress).
• Punitive Damages: In cases of severe abuse or malice, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar actions in the future. These damages are rare but can be significant.