Nursing home abuse is a heartbreaking reality that affects far too many elderly individuals across the U.S. It encompasses any negligent or intentional act that harms a resident of a long-term care facility.
This issue is more prevalent than many realize, with studies estimating that 10-20% of seniors experience some form of abuse each year. Sadly, Fresno is no exception.
At Berg Injury Lawyers, we are committed to protecting the rights and dignity of nursing home residents. Our compassionate Fresno nursing home lawyers understand the complexities of these cases and are dedicated to seeking justice for victims and their families. If your loved one has suffered abuse in a nursing home, contact us today for a free consultation.
Understanding Nursing Home Abuse
Nursing home abuse can take many forms, each with unique, devastating consequences. Recognizing the different types of abuse is crucial for identifying and addressing the problem:
- Physical Abuse: This includes any use of force against a resident, such as hitting, slapping, pushing, or restraining. Signs of physical abuse may include unexplained bruises, cuts, burns, or broken bones.
- Emotional or Psychological Abuse: This involves verbal or nonverbal acts that inflict mental pain, anguish, or distress. Examples include yelling, insults, threats, humiliation, and isolation.
- Sexual Abuse: Any non-consensual sexual contact with a resident, including unwanted touching, sexual assault, or rape, constitutes sexual abuse. Victims may exhibit signs of trauma, such as anxiety, depression, or withdrawal.
- Financial Abuse: This involves the illegal or improper use of a resident’s funds, property, or assets. It can include theft, fraud, coercion, or undue influence to gain control of a resident’s finances.
- Neglect: Neglect occurs when a caregiver fails to provide necessary care, such as food, water, hygiene, medication, or medical attention, resulting in harm to the resident.
Understanding the different types of nursing home abuse is the first step towards taking action to protect your loved one. Read on to learn more about which signs to watch for.
Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
Identifying nursing home abuse can be challenging, as victims may be afraid or unable to speak out and tell others about what’s happening to them. However, recognizing the signs of abuse is important for intervening and protecting vulnerable seniors and nursing home residents.
If you notice any of the following red flags, it’s important to investigate further and take appropriate action:
- Unexplained Injuries: Bruises, cuts, burns, or broken bones that cannot be adequately explained may be signs of physical abuse.
- Sudden Changes in Behavior: Withdrawal, depression, anxiety, agitation, or fearfulness can be indicators of emotional or psychological abuse.
- Weight Loss or Malnutrition: Unexplained weight loss, dehydration, or poor hygiene may suggest a resident is being neglected.
- Bedsores or Pressure Ulcers: These forms of skin and tissue damage are often a sign of neglect, as they develop when a resident is left immobile for extended periods.
- Unsanitary Living Conditions: Dirty rooms, soiled bedding, or a lack of basic hygiene supplies can indicate neglect by management and staff.
- Unusual Financial Activity: Sudden changes in a resident’s finances, missing belongings, or unexplained cash withdrawals from checking or savings may be signs of financial exploitation.
- Fear of a Particular Caregiver: If a resident seems afraid or uncomfortable around a specific staff member, it could be a sign of abuse.
- Changes in Medication or Treatment: Unexplained changes in medication, missed doses, or a lack of necessary medical care can indicate neglect.
If you observe any of these warning signs, it’s crucial to report your concerns to the appropriate authorities, such as the nursing home administrator, the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, or the police. Additionally, consulting with a Fresno nursing home abuse lawyer can help you understand your legal options and protect your loved one’s rights.
Compensation for Nursing Home Abuse
Victims of nursing home abuse or negligence and their families may be entitled to compensation for the harm they have suffered. This compensation can cover various damages, including:
- Medical Expenses: This includes costs for treatment of injuries, ongoing care, rehabilitation, therapy, and any other medical needs resulting from the abuse.
- Pain and Suffering: This is compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the abuse, such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD.
- Wrongful Death Damages: In tragic cases where abuse leads to the death of a resident, families may be able to seek compensation for funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.
- Punitive Damages: In some cases, courts may award punitive damages to punish the nursing home for particularly egregious conduct and to deter similar behavior in the future.
The specific damages available will vary depending on the circumstances of each case. A skilled Fresno nursing home abuse lawyer can evaluate your situation and help you pursue the full compensation you deserve.
Our Fresno Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers Can Help
At Berg Injury Lawyers, we understand the extreme toll that nursing home abuse and negligence can take on victims and their families. Our compassionate and experienced Fresno nursing home abuse lawyers are dedicated to helping you navigate the legal process and fighting for the justice your loved one deserves.
With our No Fee Guarantee®, if you don’t win, you pay nothing. Contact us today for a free consultation.
