Nursing home abuse and nursing home negligence are more common than most people realize, and can take a variety of forms that may lead to dangerous consequences.  Nursing home abuse can affect both the elderly and their families, and contacting a nursing home negligence lawyer is an essential step for any case of abuse.  Evaluating nursing homes is an important part of selecting the right match for an elderly family member, and any assisted living facility or residential care organization must take significant steps to reduce the risk of abuse and negligence throughout its programs. 

What is Nursing Home Abuse and Nursing Home Negligence?

Nursing home abuse and nursing home negligence is often loosely defined, and this is why it is even more important to work with a professional nursing home lawyer or nursing home attorney to determine the case or situation.  Nursing home abuse and nursing home negligence can take the forms of:

• Verbal abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Mental/psychological abuse
• Physical abuse
• Forced seclusion

What are the Warning Signs of Nursing Home Abuse and Nursing Home Negligence?

Sometimes the critical warning signs of nursing home abuse, neglect, and general negligence go undetected until the elderly resident speaks out about the problem.  However, there are a few warning signs of abuse and neglect that can easily be missed without careful review.  Signs that an elderly loved one is being abused or harmed include:

• Weight loss
• Sudden memory loss or periods of forgetfulness
• Irritation or anxiety without any measurable cause
• Bruises
• Bedsores
• Restraints

Weight loss and dehydration are key signs that the nursing home or facility is not providing residents with proper nutrition or health care.  A severe loss in weight could be a result of malnutrition, dehydration, or food-related illnesses that can become a severe problem. Poor nutrition and extended time in bed may also result in bedsores, a result of prolonged pressure on the body that is also a sign of neglect. 

Sudden memory loss or periods of forgetfulness are also signs of abuse and negligence; nursing home residents who become overly anxious, irritable, or frightened easily may be experiencing some form of trauma.  Bruises and bedsores are another apparent sign of abuse, and could be a result of nursing home staff members striking a resident or allowing them to fall.

Working with an experienced elder case abuse attorney can help determine which factors may lead to a formal lawsuit or complaint. 

What Types of Guidelines Exist for Nursing Homes?

The United States Department of Health and Human Services has outlined a range of nursing home rules, guidelines, and regulations to ensure that all residential care facilities meet specific standards and adhere to different laws.  Medicare and Medicaid have been regulating nursing homes in accordance with federal mandates since 1965, and each nursing home tat receives federal funding is required to follow specific guidelines in administration.

Making an informed decision when evaluating a nursing home or assisted living facility is essential for finding quality care for loved ones. The extra steps may prevent many cases of nursing home abuse and nursing home negligence that are becoming more commonplace in today’s assisted living facilities and healthcare organizations. 

Pursuing Nursing Home Abuse Cases with a Nursing Home Attorney

Working with an elder care abuse attorney or lawyer is an important step in determining the circumstances of the abuse situation.  A nursing home lawyer or professional can help evaluate the extent of damages and make the necessary claims for lost income.  An elder care abuse lawyer may:

• Determine the parties to be sued
• Evaluate any liabilities that may exist
• Secure records and other necessary medical information
• Obtain expert reports and present them at a trial

What Are the Causes of Action for Nursing Home Abuse and Negligence?

A nursing home lawyer can help determine a case with the following action and remedies:

• Direct and indirect negligence
• Wrongful death
• Intentional tort
• Negligent hiring and supervision
• Loss of consortium claim.
• Abuse of the elderly
• Third part responsibility claims
• Exemplary damages

Nursing home negligence is defined as any violation of duty or guidelines that have resulted in both physical and mental damages to the victim.  Injuries that could have been prevented are a direct result of negligence, any nursing home facility or residence that does not meet state and federal regulations may also be at fault for negligence.

Other offenses concerning nursing home abuse and negligence include:

• Kidnapping and false imprisonment
• Robbery
• Arson
• Criminal homicide
• Indecency
• Mistreatment
• Serious bodily injury

Filing a Nursing Home Abuse Complaint

Nursing home abuse complaints are required before a formal investigation, and if you think that a loved one is suffering from neglect, abuse, or is otherwise being violated, it may be necessary to contact an elder case abuse attorney to determine the case.  Contact Johnson Law Group immediately to work with a professional nursing home lawyer in managing your case they can be contacted by e-mail or call Nick Johnson 1-888-311-5522

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