Common Signs of Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect
Often, elderly individuals are not able to speak up for themselves when they begin to suffer mistreatment at the hands of trusted caregivers. Some suffer from various health conditions, such as Alzheimer’s or dementia, that prevent them from identifying and reporting the abuse. Others may be afraid to speak up for fear of retribution. In some cases, elderly individuals simply do not realize that what is happening to them constitutes abuse and could be grounds for legal action.
Because of this, it’s important that family members and loved ones know the signs of nursing home abuse and neglect. At the first indication that something may be wrong, you should alert the proper authorities, whether that’s the nursing home administration or the local police. If you believe that your loved one or anyone else is in imminent danger, do not hesitate to call 911.
Some of the most common signs of nursing home abuse include:
Types of Nursing Home Abuse
As previously mentioned, many different types of abuse can and do occur in nursing homes throughout South Carolina and nationwide.
The different types of nursing home abuse include:
- Physical Abuse: Physical abuse involves the use of force resulting in bodily harm, pain, or impairment. Examples include hitting, pinching, slapping, pushing, shoving, or grabbing.
- Neglect: Neglect occurs when residents are deprived of basic necessities, such as food, water, medication, or proper hygiene.
- Emotional Abuse: Emotional abuse includes verbal threats, intimidation, humiliation, or isolation, leading to psychological distress.
- Sexual Abuse: Sexual abuse involves any non-consensual sexual activity or exploitation of residents, such as groping, fondling, or rape.
- Financial Abuse: Financial abuse occurs when caregivers exploit residents for personal gain, such as stealing money or possessions.
Each of these forms of abuse can have serious, long-lasting repercussions. Victims and their families may experience considerable physical, emotional, and financial harm as a result of nursing home abuse. At Bauer & Metro, P.C., we are here to help you seek the justice you and your family deserve.
Our Bluffton nursing home abuse attorneys have extensive experience handling these types of cases. We understand the intricacies of the law, as well as the many nuances of the local court system and various legal proceedings. We work quickly to protect your rights, put a stop to abuse, and ensure that others are not subjected to similar mistreatment in the future.
-
"Rob Metro has been working with my family for over a year to help fight for the rights for military families."
Rob Metro has been working with my family for over a year to help fight for the rights for military families. He has worked ...
Ashley W. -
"They work very efficiently to settle your case."
Definitely the best law firm around! They work very efficiently to settle your case. Wonderful personal experience!
Brandon S. -
"I would recommend them to anyone very professional and personal and or very good at what they do!!"
I must say they are the best Attorney I’ve ever used!! I would recommend them to anyone very professional and personal and or ...
Joe T. -
"They are the top local legal team for what they practice."
They are the top local legal team for what they practice. Hard working, connected, smart and always prepared.
Martin L. -
"Sam was amazing and showed that he truly cared about my case"
I had Sam Bauer as my Lawyer. He was amazing and showed that he truly cared about my case and got me better results then I ...
Kent C. -
"Always easy to reach and willing to listen"
Rob and his team were a great help when we needed direction and representation. Always easy to reach and willing to listen, ...
Lisa S. -
"Professional, provided timely responses"
Professional, provided timely responses, always available to answer questions. Completely satisfied with the outcome. ...
Vicki H -
"I was very pleased with the outcome."
Bauer & Metro represented me in an unusual case (not a typical injury case). I was very pleased with the outcome.
Don S.
Common Causes of Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect
It can be difficult to imagine how or why nursing home abuse occurs. In many instances, there are a variety of factors that contribute to this type of mistreatment.
Several factors that often contribute to nursing home abuse and neglect include:
- Understaffing and inadequate supervision
- Lack of proper training for caregivers
- Poor facility management and oversight
- High-stress work environment
- Inadequate background checks for employees
Nursing homes and other long-term care facilities have a responsibility to provide adequate care for their residents. This means conducting the proper background checks on caregivers, providing sufficient training, and ensuring an acceptable resident-to-staff ratio. When these facilities fail to properly care for their residents, they can and should be held accountable.
Bedsores & Nursing Home Abuse
Bedsores, also known as pressure ulcers, are common signs of nursing home neglect. They develop due to prolonged pressure on the skin, often resulting from inadequate care, lack of movement, or poor hygiene. If left untreated, bedsores can lead to serious complications.
It’s important to remember that bedsores are never acceptable, nor are they inevitable. If you or your loved one developed bedsores while in the care of a nursing home facility, it could be a sign of neglect or abuse. This is especially true of advanced-stage bedsores, which indicate a lack of prompt, proper treatment.
At Bauer & Metro, P.C., we have extensive experience representing clients in nursing home abuse cases involving bedsores. We can review the details of your situation and determine whether you have a case. We encourage you to reach out to our team today to learn more during a 100% free consultation.
Take Your Case Seriously
what sets us apart
-
Legal ExpertiseBauer & Metro are recognized in the legal community for their knowledge in their specialized fields.
-
Educators
As frequent lecturers for legal education, Bauer & Metro are dedicated to educating both lawyers and judges.
-
LocalLocal favorite & locally focused, Bauer & Metro are proud to serve the community in which they live.
What to Do If You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse
If you believe you or your loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse, it is essential to act quickly. If you have reason to believe that you, your loved one, or anyone else is in imminent danger, call 911.
It’s also important that you take the following steps if you suspect nursing home abuse or neglect:
- Seek immediate medical attention for any injuries or health concerns, such as bedsores or infections.
- Document any signs of abuse or neglect, including taking photographs of injuries, nursing home conditions, etc. (if possible).
- Report the abuse to the appropriate authorities, such as local law enforcement or adult protective services.
- Contact a trusted attorney with experience in nursing home abuse cases, such as the team at Bauer & Metro, P.C.
When looking for an attorney who can assist you with your case, it’s important to remember that not just any personal injury lawyer will do. These are highly complex cases; you need someone with experience in this area of law and access to medical experts who can help provide powerful testimony in your case.
At Bauer & Metro, P.C., we have spent decades protecting the rights of seniors and their families throughout the South Carolina Lowcountry. We are familiar with local laws and regulations, as well as the local court system and judges. Our Bluffton nursing home abuse lawyers not only know how to aggressively protect your rights but also what it takes to win. In ever case, we seek maximum compensation for our clients, all while providing the compassionate, personalized legal service they deserve.
Contact Bauer & Metro, P.C. for a free and confidential consultation. Call (843) 683-5297 or reach us online using our secure contact form.
