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Legally Reviewed by:

Jonathan Rosenfeld
J.D

July 19, 2023

Over $400 Million worth of case results

Awarded The Best Lawyer in 2024 by U.S. News

Nationally Recognized in Legal Community

Nursing home abuse is any harm inflicted on elderly individuals in long-term care facilities. People’s susceptibility to specific injuries, such as falls and severe infections, increases as they age.

To mitigate these risks, families often entrust their loved ones to the care of nursing homes, expecting them to provide round-the-clock care.

However, it’s disheartening that seniors can still suffer nursing home abuse injuries in these facilities, often due to abuse or neglect.

Is your loved one an abused victim harmed by nursing home negligence?

The personal injury attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC represent disabled and elderly patients harmed by nursing home staff members, visitors, employees, and other residents.

Contact nursing home abuse attorneys at (888) 424-5757 or use the online form to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.

All confidential or sensitive information you share with our legal team remains private through an attorney-client relationship.

Nursing Home Abuse Injuries

Defining Nursing Home Abuse

Abuse in nursing homes can take many forms, including physical assault, emotional torment, financial exploitation, or neglect of basic needs.

In many instances, the perpetrators of this abuse are those who must care for and protect residents: the nursing home staff, employees, and security who address safety concerns and health issues.

Types of Nursing Home Abuse

Nursing home abuse can manifest in various forms, each with its unique signs and consequences.

Physical abuse involves any form of physical harm, such as hitting, slapping, or improper use of restraints.

On the other hand, emotional abuse can include verbal insults, threats, isolation, or manipulation, which can lead to psychological distress.

Financial exploitation in nursing homes involves improperly using a resident’s financial resources without consent.

Lastly, neglect, often overlooked, involves the failure to provide necessary care in long-term care facilities, leading to physical harm or discomfort.

The Prevalence of Nursing Care Facility Abuse

The prevalence of nursing home abuse is a pressing concern.

Despite laws and regulations designed to protect elderly residents, abuse and neglect remain widespread issues in nursing facilities.

Studies suggest that many residents have experienced some form of nursing home abuse and neglect.

This underscores the urgent need for increased awareness, stringent oversight, and effective preventive measures.

Recognizing the Signs of Nursing Home Abuse

Recognizing the signs of nursing facility abuse is the first step toward protecting your loved ones from harm.

It’s vital to be vigilant and proactive, as early detection can prevent further harm and facilitate the pursuit of justice.

Physical Signs of Abuse: Common Nursing Home Injuries

Physical signs of abuse are often the most noticeable.

These may include:

  • Unexplained bruises
  • Lacerations
  • Head injury
  • Broken bones
  • Pressure ulcers

Other signs might be frequent infections or sudden weight loss.

Emotional or Psychological Abuse Signs

Emotional signs that residents have suffered abuse can be more subtle but equally damaging.

These may include changes in behavior, particularly around certain staff members, such as:

  • Increased agitation
  • Withdrawal
  • Fearfulness

Residents may also exhibit depression, anxiety, or other emotional distress.

Warning Signs of Neglect

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, neglect by nursing staff members can manifest in various ways.

These may include:

  • Poor personal hygiene
  • Unattended medical needs
  • Malnutrition
  • Dehydration

Other signs might be unsanitary living conditions, frequent falls, or inappropriate restraints, such as bed rails.

Often nursing facilities don’t ensure bed rails have adequate safety measures to prevent falls.

It’s important to note that neglect can occur even without malicious intent; injuries caused are often due to inadequate staffing or training.

Common Nursing Home Infections

Infections are a common and often overlooked aspect of nursing home abuse injuries.

They can result from nursing home neglect, where basic hygiene standards are unmet, or when a nursing home injury is not treated correctly.

Infections can develop from specific injuries and severe medical conditions, including broken bones, hip fractures, or spinal cord injuries due to falls or other complications.

These health issues are often linked to the negligence of nursing home staff members who fail to provide adequate care.

Some common infections that nursing facilities residents may face include:

  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs): Often caused by poor personal hygiene or improper catheter use.
  • Respiratory infections, including pneumonia and influenza, can be hazardous for elderly loved ones with existing health problems who experience difficulty breathing.
  • Skin infections, including bedsores and cellulitis, are often linked to neglect and lack of proper care.
  • Gastrointestinal infections: Such as norovirus, which can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration.

The Impact of Nursing Home Abuse Injuries

The impact of nursing home abuse extends far beyond immediate physical injury.

Effects Nursing Home Neglect Has On The Victim

The effects of nursing home abuse on the victim can be devastating.

Beyond the physical pain and discomfort, victims often experience the following:

  • Significant psychological distress
  • Feelings of fear, humiliation, and helplessness

The trauma of abuse can lead to:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

In severe cases, abuse can lead to serious health complications or premature wrongful death.

Effects on the Family

The impact of nursing home abuse also extends to the victim’s family.

Discovering that a loved one has been abused can cause the following:

  • Significant emotional distress
  • Feelings of guilt
  • Loss of trust in healthcare institutions

Addressing Nursing Home Abuse

Addressing nursing home abuse requires a multi-faceted approach involving:

  • Immediate intervention
  • Legal recourse
  • Long-term prevention strategies

It’s crucial for victims and their families to know their rights and the resources available to them.

Steps for Victims and Families to Address Abuse

The first step in addressing nursing home abuse is to ensure the victim’s immediate safety.

This may involve reporting the abuse to the following:

  • Nursing home administration
  • Local authorities
  • Adult Protective Services

It’s also essential to document the abuse, such as:

  • Taking photographs of the nursing home injuries
  • Keeping a record of incidents
  • Noting any interactions with staff

Seeking medical attention for the victim is also critical for their health, and providing medical evidence of abuse.

Victims of nursing home abuse and their families may be entitled to compensation for the harm suffered.

This can include:

  • Medical expenses
  • Pain and suffering
  • Punitive damages

A personal injury lawyer with experience in nursing home abuse cases can guide you through the legal options available, and you help navigate the complex legal process.

The Prevalence of Nursing Home Abuse Injuries

The prevalence of nursing home abuse is a pressing concern.

Despite laws and regulations designed to protect elderly residents, abuse and neglect remain widespread issues in nursing homes.

Studies suggest that many nursing facility residents have experienced some form of abuse.

This underscores the urgent need for increased awareness, stringent oversight, and effective preventive measures.

Prevention of Nursing Home Abuse

Preventing nursing home abuse requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders, including administrators, staff, residents, and their families.

It involves the following measures:

  • Implementing effective policies and procedures
  • Ensuring adequate staff training
  • Fostering a culture of respect and dignity

Role of Staff Training and Facility Management

Proper staff training and effective facility management are vital in preventing nursing home abuse.

Nursing home staff should be trained in the following:

  • Patient care
  • Communication
  • Conflict resolution
  • Recognition and reporting of abuse
  • Preventing medication errors

Facility management should ensure adequate staffing levels, enforce strict hiring practices, and foster a culture of accountability and respect that keep nursing facility residents safe.

Importance of Family Involvement and Regular Visits

Family involvement and regular visits at the caregiving home or assisted living facility can also help prevent nursing home abuse.

Regular visits can help families monitor the care their loved one receives, observe any changes in their health or behavior, and establish a presence in the facility.

Family members can also advocate for their loved one’s rights, communicate with staff, and report any concerns promptly.

Resources for Victims of Nursing Home Abuse

Numerous resources are available to victims of nursing home abuse and their families. These include support services, counseling, legal assistance, and advocacy groups.

Support Services and Counseling for Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

Support services and counseling can help victims of abuse and their families cope with the emotional aftermath of abuse.

The support can include the following:

  • Individual or group therapy
  • Crisis counseling
  • Support groups

Some organizations also offer resources for coping with trauma, managing stress, and navigating recovery.

Legal assistance can be invaluable in seeking justice and compensation for elder abuse.

Personal injury lawyers can guide the legal process, represent clients in court, and advocate for their rights.

Advocacy groups can also support, raise awareness, and advocate for policy changes to prevent nursing home abuse.

Ensuring the Safety of Nursing Home Residents

Nursing homes are designed to provide a safe and caring environment for our elderly loved ones.

However, the reality can sometimes be far from this ideal.

Nursing home injuries are a serious concern, with residents often suffering from:

  • Broken bones
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Pressure ulcers

These injuries can occur for various reasons, including fall accidents and neglect or abuse by the nursing home staff.

Understanding the resident’s health needs and ensuring their safety within the nursing home is important.

This includes monitoring for warning signs of neglect or abuse, such as unexplained injuries or changes in behavior.

If a nursing home resident is found with injuries, it’s vital to investigate the cause and take appropriate action.

While intended to keep residents safe, bed rails can sometimes cause harm.

Residents can get stuck between the mattress and the bedrail, leading to breathing problems or cardiac arrest.

Therefore, ensuring that such safety measures are correctly implemented and monitored is essential.

In the unfortunate event of a nursing home injury, a family member should seek immediate medical attention for their elderly loved one.

If the injury is suspected to result from abuse or neglect, it’s advisable to consult with a nursing home abuse lawyer to explore legal options.

Remember, the well-being of our older adults is paramount, and any form of abuse or neglect should not be tolerated.

The Role of Personal Injury Lawyers in Nursing Home Abuse Cases

Personal injury lawyers play a crucial role in addressing elder abuse.

They can provide legal advice based on state and federal laws, represent victims and their families in court, advocate for their rights and keep nursing home residents safe from further abuse and neglect.

How Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help in Elder Abuse and Neglect Cases

Personal injury lawyers can provide invaluable assistance to victims and their families in many ways, including the following:

  • Understanding their legal rights
  • Navigating the complex legal process
  • Seeking compensation for the harm suffered

Our nursing home abuse lawyers can gather evidence, file a lawsuit, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent clients in court.

The Process of a Personal Injury Case

The process of a personal injury case can be complex and time-consuming.

It typically involves several stages, including:

  • Initial consultation
  • Investigation
  • Lawsuit filing
  • Discovery
  • Settlement negotiations
  • Trial

Throughout this process, a personal injury lawyer can provide guidance, advocate for the client’s interests, and strive to achieve the best possible outcome.

Personal Injury Lawyer: Championing the Rights of Nursing Home Abuse Victims

Have you or an elderly person you love been subjected to nursing home abuse injuries?

Do you suspect your loved one has endured harm within a care facility?

Nursing home abuse attorneys stand ready to serve as your advocate, navigating the complexities of the legal system on your behalf and relentlessly pursuing justice and rightful compensation.

Whether the abuse manifests as physical abuse, leading to broken bones or spinal injuries, or neglect resulting in health issues linked to poor care, a personal injury lawyer can help.

They understand the safety concerns in nursing homes and are well-versed in the laws protecting each resident.

Victims who have suffered injuries, such as head injuries or spinal cord damage from fall accidents, need a dedicated advocate.

Even if the harm is less visible, like emotional abuse or neglect leading to malnutrition, a lawyer can help expose these injustices.

Our law offices are committed to the well-being of older adults and their families.

We understand the pain and distress of discovering your elderly loved one’s injuries result from abuse or neglect.

We are here to help you take control of the situation and seek the justice your loved one deserves.

Free Consultation

We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options.

Our services are provided on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case.

Don’t let financial concerns prevent you from seeking justice. Call us at (888) 424-5757 to start the process of holding the responsible parties accountable.

Client Reviews

Jonathan Rosenfeld was professionally objective, timely, and knowledgeable. Also, his advice was extremely effective regarding my case. In addition, Jonathan was understanding and patient pertaining to any of my questions or concerns. I was very happy with the end result and I highly recommend Jonathan Rosenfeld.

- Michonne Proulx

Extremely impressed with this law firm. They took control of a bad motorcycle crash that left my uncle seriously injured. Without any guarantee of a financial recovery, they went out and hired accident investigators and engineers to help prove how the accident happened. I am grateful that they worked on a contingency fee basis as there was no way we could have paid for these services on our own.

- Ethan Armstrong

Jonathan helped my family heal and get compensation after our child was suffered a life threatening injury at daycare. He was sympathetic and in constant contact with us letting us know all he knew every step of the way. We were so blessed to find Jonathan!

- Giulia

This lawyer really helped me get compensation for my motorcycle accident case. I know there is no way that I could have gotten anywhere near the amount that Mr. Rosenfeld was able to get to settle my case. Thank you.

- Daniel Kaim

Jonathan did a great job helping my family navigate through a lengthy lawsuit involving my grandmother's death in a nursing home. Through every step of the case, Jonathan kept my family informed of the progression of the case. Although our case eventually settled at a mediation, I really was impressed at how well prepared Jonathan was to take the case to trial.

- Lisa
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