Lake County Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
As your loved one ages, it can become difficult to provide them with the medical care they need around the clock. If this scenario comes to pass, you may consider placing them in a nursing home. Distinguished personal injury attorneys know that the vast majority of nursing homes provide adequate care to elderly and infirm individuals, but there are some homes that fail to do this. If your loved one is neglected or injured due to the carelessness of their nursing home, they—as well as their family members—have a right to file suit with the help of a Lake County nursing home abuse lawyer.
What Are Common Signs of Physical Abuse?
Many people assume nursing home abuse is not a serious issue, but in reality, it occurs more often than most people think. Nursing home abuse is a hidden epidemic, and often patients are afraid to speak out for fear of retribution from their victimizers.
Signs of abuse can be frustratingly hard to spot sometimes, even for family members and friends. They should consult a Lake County nursing home abuse lawyer if they notice any of the following signs or symptoms:
- Unexplained bruises, cuts, and broken bones
- Unsanitary living conditions
- Also, improper medication dosages
- Sudden or uncharacteristic emotional withdrawal
- Dehydration and malnutrition
- Lastly, bed sores
Abuse in nursing homes should stop. In order to achieve that, speak out. If a person is abused in a nursing home, their friends or family members should try to obtain justice not just for their loved one, but for every resident of that facility who may be suffering the same abuse.
Signs of Financial or Psychological Abuse
In addition to physical abuse, psychological and financial abuse often occurs in nursing homes with equally severe and dangerous outcomes. Patients in nursing homes are often emotionally vulnerable, and many suffer from cognitive disabilities that prevent them from thinking rationally. Predatory patients and staff workers can exacerbate these conditions through verbal or psychological abuse, or manipulate patients into offering up their valuables and money.
Nursing home care is extremely expensive, and when patients lose money to ill-intentioned individuals, they have less to spend on their care. If the family members or friends of a patient suspect their loved one is being victimized in this way, they need to take action immediately.
What Are Nursing Homes Legal Responsibilities?
Most nursing homes do an exceptional job of caring for patients. However, some homes are more interested in earning money than providing high-quality care. Homes do not hire adequately trained staff members or provide a clean environment where patients can live without fear.
Untrained staff members pose a serious threat to patients. If they do not have the medical knowledge needed to provide care, they can accidentally harm patients. It is the responsibility of the nursing home to hire the best staff possible. If they fail to do this, they should have liability by a Lake County nursing home abuse lawyer.
Speaking With a Nursing Home Abuse Attorney
Do you suspect abuse of your loved one in a nursing home? You will need to take action quickly. Individuals only have a short period of time to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you attempt to file a lawsuit too late, the court may refuse to hear your case. Contact an experienced Lake County nursing home abuse lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your case.