Currently in the United States, there are approximately 1.6 million elderly or dependent adults residing in nursing homes, paving the way for an increased risk of nursing home abuse and neglect. Nursing home abuse occurs when a care facility intentionally harms a patient, causing serious physical and/or emotional pain and suffering and potentially even death. More specifically, nursing home abuse often involves physical or emotional violence, aggressive treatment, sexual abuse, exploitation, and more.

Unfortunately, the signs of abuse are often difficult to detect, making nursing home abuse one of the most underreported crimes. Some signs of nursing home neglect can include unexplained injury or illness, rapid gain or loss of weight, bed sores, dehydration, malnutrition, a rapid deterioration of one’s physical, mental, or emotional health, frequent slips and falls, unsanitary conditions, improper or excessive restraint, and more.

When we place an older loved one in the care of nursing home professionals, we expect they will be treated with the utmost respect and dignity while receiving the care they need. Nursing home abuse should not be a factor in our decision to help our loved ones receive the care they need. However, nursing home abuse occurs with alarming frequency. When nursing home abuse hurts someone you love, you have the legal right to take action to stop the abuse, protect your loved one, and seek compensation for this serious wrongdoing.

According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, between one and two million Americans over the age of 65 have been abused, exploited, or otherwise mistreated by someone on whom they depend for protection and/or care. A 2003 report published by Gannett News Service revealed fewer than two percent of nursing home facilities receiving Medicare and Medicaid funds nationwide have been violation-free in the last four years. This means that a large majority of nursing homes have been slapped with a recent nursing home abuse complaint. Tragically this number appears to be increasing.

If you or a loved one has suffered the devastating effects of nursing home abuse, you may be entitled to seek compensation for your losses. Please click here to speak with a qualified and caring personal injury attorney who can inform you of your legal rights and options.

Types of Nursing Home Abuse

• Physical abuse - Typically involves unexplained injuries such as bruises, open wounds, sprains, fractures, dislocations, internal bleeding, and more. These signs may indicate that the resident is suffering from physical nursing home abuse. Any type of slapping, hitting, or kicking as well as over- or under-dosing medications is also considered physical abuse.
• Verbal, emotional, and mental abuse – This type of nursing home abuse occurs when a patient is subjected to verbal or non-verbal acts such as insults, threats, humiliation, intimidation, harassment, and more. Verbal abuse can lead to serious emotional anguish and distress.
• Sexual abuse – Any non-consensual sexual act with a nursing home resident is a form of abuse including sexual battery and assault, rape, forced nudity, and more.
• Exploitation – Usually involves the improper or illegal use of nursing home residents’ finances, property, or assets.

Your Legal Rights

When we place our loved ones in long-term care facilities, we expect that they will be treated with the highest standard of care and respect. Sadly, nursing home abuse appears to be an increasing epidemic as the number of residents steadily rises. Both federal and state legislators have enacted laws to protect the rights of nursing home residents.

If you or someone you love has suffered serious injury, illness, or death as a result of nursing home abuse, it is important to consult with an experienced attorney who can evaluate your case, protect your legal rights, and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

Please contact us today to speak with a qualified and experienced lawyer FREE of charge