Cogburn Davidson Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers | December 16, 2024 | Nursing Home Abuse
Nursing homes and assisted living facilities are intended to provide a safe and supportive environment for elderly individuals who require care due to age, illness, or disability. Unfortunately, abuse and neglect can occur in these settings, leaving vulnerable residents at risk of serious harm. As a resident or family member, it’s crucial to be aware of the common forms of nursing home abuse and neglect to help prevent, identify, and address these issues. If you believe a loved one is suffering from neglect or abuse in a nursing home, consulting with a skilled Las Vegas nursing home abuse lawyer can help protect their rights.
If you or a loved one is experiencing any form of nursing home abuse or neglect in Las Vegas, it is important to take immediate action. Contacting an attorney can help you navigate your legal options.
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse is one of the most alarming forms of nursing home mistreatment. It involves any intentional act of causing harm to a resident’s body, including hitting, slapping, pinching, kicking, or restraining a person unnecessarily. The Nevada Elder Abuse Statute defines elder abuse as physical, emotional, and financial abuse, as well as neglect. A violation of these laws can result in civil or criminal charges, and victims have the right to seek damages through legal action.
Signs of physical abuse may include:
- Unexplained bruises, cuts, or scars
- Broken bones or sprains
- Burns or marks from restraints
- Fear or anxiety when a specific caregiver is present
If you suspect physical abuse, it’s essential to report the situation immediately to the appropriate authorities and consult a nursing home abuse lawyer to explore your legal options.
Emotional or Psychological Abuse
Emotional or psychological abuse involves causing mental distress to a nursing home resident through verbal assaults, threats, intimidation, humiliation, or isolation. This form of abuse can be incredibly damaging because the scars are invisible, and the effects can last a lifetime. Victims may experience feelings of helplessness, depression, anxiety, and a general decline in their well-being. While harder to prove, emotional or psychological abuse can result in legal action against nursing home staff or the facility itself.
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse in nursing homes is tragically not as uncommon as it should be. This form of abuse includes any non-consensual sexual contact or behavior, ranging from unwanted touching to rape. Victims may be unable to advocate for themselves due to physical or cognitive impairments, making them particularly vulnerable.
Signs of sexual abuse may include:
- Unexplained genital injuries or infections
- Anxiety or fear surrounding certain staff members
- Sudden, unexplained changes in behavior, such as agitation or withdrawal
- Difficulty walking or sitting, possibly indicating physical trauma
Sexual abuse in nursing homes is a severe violation of trust, and it is essential to address it promptly by contacting both law enforcement and an experienced Las Vegas nursing home abuse attorney. Nevada law allows victims to file both criminal charges and civil suits against perpetrators, as well as institutions that fail to properly vet staff.
Financial Exploitation
Elder financial abuse is an unfortunately common issue in nursing homes. It involves the illegal or improper use of a resident’s financial resources, including theft, fraud, coercion, or misappropriation of funds. Caregivers or even family members may take advantage of the elderly person’s diminished capacity to manage their finances, leading to significant financial loss. Nevada law offers strong protections against financial exploitation under the Elder Financial Exploitation Statute.
Neglect
Neglect occurs when a nursing home fails to provide adequate care, shelter, food, water, and medical attention to its residents. It can be physical (failure to provide basic hygiene or medical care, such as the development of bedsores), emotional, or even neglectful in terms of preventing unsafe living conditions. While neglect may not always be intentional, it is a violation of the standard of care expected in these facilities.
Medication Errors
Medication errors, while not always intentional, can be devastating for elderly nursing home residents. These errors can include giving the wrong dosage, administering the wrong medication, or failing to administer prescribed medications. Because the elderly may have multiple chronic conditions and take various medications, even small mistakes can have severe consequences.
If your loved one’s health is compromised due to these errors, consulting with an experienced nursing home abuse lawyer can help determine if legal action is warranted.
A Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Can Help if You Suspect Abuse or Neglect
If you suspect that a loved one is a victim of abuse or neglect in a nursing home, it is crucial to take immediate action:
- Report the abuse
- Document the evidence
- Consult with a nursing home abuse lawyer
Abuse and neglect in nursing homes are serious issues that require immediate attention. By being aware of the common forms of mistreatment and vigilant in looking for signs of abuse, you can help protect your loved ones.
If you suspect nursing home abuse or neglect in Las Vegas, Nevada, don’t hesitate to reach out to an experienced nursing home abuse attorney who can advocate for your family and seek justice for those who have been harmed.
Taking swift action not only ensures the safety of the affected individual but also helps hold negligent facilities accountable, promoting better care for all residents in the future.
Contact the Las Vegas Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers from J. Cogburn Car Accidents and Personal Injury Lawyers for Legal Help Today
For more information, please contact our Las Vegas nursing home abuse attorneys at J. Cogburn Car Accidents and Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.
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