July 26, 2022 | Nursing Home Negligence

Does your elderly loved one live in an assisted living facility? This isn’t an easy decision to make. However, many people make this decision with the trust that the facility will provide their loved one with better care than they would at home. It can therefore be devastating to discover that your loved one has been the victim of abuse at the hands of the same staff that you entrusted them to. You will need to contact an assisted living abuse lawyer to help you hold the facility and its staff to account for their actions.

Situations When You Should Hire an Assisted Living Abuse Lawyer

Cases of elder abuse are increasing. It is therefore important to be on the lookout for signs of abuse when your loved one is living in an assisted living facility. The following are some instances when you should hire an experienced lawyer as soon as possible.

1. When your loved one is the victim of neglect

Assisted living facilities are required to meet the basic needs of the patients that live in the facility. If your loved one shows signs of neglect you should get in touch with an attorney as soon as possible to investigate the case and determine if they are the victim of neglect. Some signs of neglect to look out for include:

• Unexplained injuries
• Unexplained weight loss
• A dirty or disorganized environment in their room
• Dirty or soiled beddings
• the patient appears unkempt
• the patient has not been bathed

Neglect could be the result of understaffing or abuse. Your loved one could be neglected as part of their mistreatment. You should contact an attorney right away and take steps to protect your loved one.

2. When your loved one suffers unexplained injuries

Injuries occur often in nursing homes. While some injuries are simply accidents, there are injuries that can be the result of abuse. If your loved one has suffered injuries and you are not being provided with a reasonable explanation, it is time to get in touch with an attorney. If you suspect that the injuries are the result of abuse you should get your loved one out of the nursing home to ensure their safety. You should also get them the medical attention they need to treat their injuries.

3. When someone steals from your loved one

Abuse doesn’t have to be physical. It can also be financial. Nursing home staff can take advantage of the condition of your loved one to steal from them. For example, they can steal from your loved one’s account. If you notice any unusual transactions in your loved one’s accounts, you should get in touch with an attorney as soon as possible. You should also take steps such as freezing the account, to prevent the theft from continuing.

4. Unexplained changes in behavior

It isn’t uncommon for the elderly to exhibit changes in their behavior or demeanor. Many undergo changes as a result of medical conditions such as dementia. However, if your loved one exhibits a sudden change in behavior that isn’t related to a medical condition, they may be a victim of physical or psychological abuse. Your loved one may begin to show signs of anxiety, unreasonable fear or other such behaviors. It is important to contact an assisted living abuse lawyer to investigate your case and determine whether your loved one is the victim of abuse.

Why you should hire an attorney

Many people with loved ones in assisted living facilities think that making a complaint to the management is enough to ensure the safety of their loved ones. However, this often isn’t the case. If you suspect your loved one is the victim of abuse, you should contact an experienced assisted living abuse lawyer. These lawyers will:

1. Act in the best interests of your loved one

While the nursing home administration will sound concerned and even friendly when you submit your complaint, they are actually not on your side. They will do all they can to cover up the incident and avoid tarnishing their reputation. Hiring a lawyer is the best way to ensure that the best interests of your loved one are considered. Your attorney will help you arrange for transfers and take other actions to ensure the safety of your loved one.

2. Investigate your claim

Experienced lawyers have the knowledge and resources to conduct thorough investigations and uncover abuse in assisted living facilities. They will determine who was responsible for the abuse and gather evidence to support your claim for compensation.

3. Represent you in seeking justice

Your attorney will guide you through the complexities of seeking compensation for the abuse that your loved one suffered. They will file a lawsuit and represent you in negotiations. They will also represent you at trial and argue your case for you.

Contact us to speak with an experienced assisted living abuse lawyer and learn about your rights and options.

Assisted Living Abuse Lawyer