Nursing homes serve the unique purpose of caring for elderly and disabled individuals. Yet, sadly, some nursing home residents are the victims of abuse and neglect at the hands of the people there to care for them. If you or a loved one has suffered abuse or neglect in a nursing home environment, a Southaven nursing home abuse & neglect lawyer from Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi PLC can help you file a claim against the nursing home.
Nursing Home Abuse Causes Suffering
Nursing home abuse occurs in cases where the employees of long-term care facilities abuse or otherwise harm residents. The harm caused does not need to be intentional to qualify as nursing home abuse. Intentional and unintentional actions can both be perceived as abuse by the courts.
This abuse can result in psychological trauma, as well as physical pain and suffering. In some instances, nursing home abuse even leads to death. Unfortunately, nursing home abuse is common throughout the U.S. Nursing home employees may engage in this behavior for various reasons, including poor training, understaffed facilities, and emotional control issues.
All these factors may play into a nursing home employee’s choice to commit harmful actions against the people they are meant to nurture. If you suspect your loved one has been the victim of nursing home abuse, do not wait to contact a nursing home abuse and neglect lawyer in Southaven. If you continue waiting, your loved one may be the victim of further harm.
Examples of Nursing Home Abuse
When people think of nursing home abuse, they are typically quick to assume that this only involves physical altercations. This is not accurate. While physical altercations are a prime example of nursing home abuse, other examples include emotional harm, sexual abuse, and neglect.
Physical Abuse
Nursing home employees sometimes get frustrated with the residents they care for, leading them to punch, kick, push, or hit them. This is unacceptable behavior that is far too common. It often goes unreported as well.
The residents may be fragile or senile, so they could fear what would happen if they reported the incidents to other staff or their families. Instances of physical abuse in nursing homes are a serious matter. If you notice wounds or other signs of injury on your loved one in a nursing home, you need to file a lawsuit against the nursing home.
It is not fair that their employees have caused consistent harm to your loved one. To balance the scales, seeking compensation with the aid of a Southaven nursing home abuse and neglect attorney is the best course of action.
Emotional Abuse
Nursing home employees are expected to operate with a certain level of care. Bedside manner is essential, especially when dealing with the elderly and disabled population. When these employees engage in behavior that harms a person’s psychological health, they engage in emotional abuse.
Common examples of nursing home emotional abuse can be seen when staff members yell at their residents. They may taunt, tease, or ridicule them to assert power over them or make other staff members and residents laugh. This behavior is incredibly harmful to the overall well-being of nursing home residents who simply want to enjoy the remainder of their lives.
Although this type of abuse does not leave behind much physical evidence, it is still incredibly painful to endure. You may notice that your loved one seems more withdrawn or depressed if they are experiencing this sort of abuse. Be sure to ask questions to confirm whether they are doing okay. If not, contact a nursing home abuse and neglect attorney in Southaven.
Sexual Abuse
When unwanted sexual activity occurs in a nursing home, that is sexual abuse. Staff members may be sexually abusing residents, or other residents may be doing it while staff members turn a blind eye. Either way, the nursing home is liable for ensuring its residents are safe and taken care of.
Sometimes nursing homes mishandle sexual abuse cases to try and keep their organizations clear of controversy. This is grounds for a lawsuit. Sexual abuse in nursing homes should never be accepted.
To uncover the truth of what went on in the nursing home, have a Southaven nursing home abuse & neglect lawyer start collecting evidence that proves you or your loved one was sexually abused by someone connected to the nursing home.
Nursing Home Neglect
Leaving older adults unattended for prolonged amounts of time can endanger them. It is part of the nursing home staff’s job to ensure that residents are taken care of, yet nursing home neglect is a common practice. This neglect can lead to a variety of issues, such as malnutrition, bedsores, and other undesirable outcomes.
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Compensation for Nursing Home Abuse Claims
A lawyer can help you seek compensation for the damages you or your loved one has incurred due to abuse or negligence perpetrated by a nursing home employee. Civil damages that can be sought include:
- Medical bills for past and future injuries
- Damaged property costs
- Nursing home fees
- Therapy and rehabilitation costs
- Emotional damages
To learn precisely how much money you stand to recover, work with a Southaven nursing home abuse & neglect lawyer to find out what your actual damages are.
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Get Relief from Nursing Home Abuse
Nursing home abuse is a tragic reality that many older people deal with daily. If you have recently discovered signs that your loved one is being abused at their nursing home, take action to acquire justice. The best way to uphold their rights is to file a nursing home abuse claim against the nursing home.
Through legal action, you stand to recover compensation for the damages your loved one incurred. An attorney from Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi PLC is ready to speak with you. Use the contact form on this page to schedule a free case evaluation.