Dedicated advocacy for elderly individuals facing neglect or mistreatment
Understanding Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
When families make the difficult decision to place a loved one in a nursing home or assisted living facility, they do so with the expectation that their family member will receive appropriate care, dignity, and respect. Unfortunately, nursing home abuse and neglect occur far too frequently, leaving vulnerable elderly residents suffering physically, emotionally, and psychologically.
Nursing home abuse and neglect can take many forms:
- Physical Abuse:ย Including hitting, pushing, improper restraint, or other physical mistreatment.
- Emotional/Psychological Abuse:ย Including humiliation, isolation, intimidation, or verbal assaults.
- Sexual Abuse:ย Any non-consensual sexual contact with a resident.
- Financial Exploitation:ย Misuse or theft of a resident’s financial resources.
- Neglect:ย Failure to provide necessary care, including assistance with personal hygiene, proper nutrition, hydration, medication, and medical attention.
As an attorney dedicated to elder justice, I am committed to holding negligent and abusive caregivers and facilities accountable. My practice focuses on providing compassionate representation for elderly victims and their families while vigorously pursuing justice and appropriate compensation.
Warning Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
Recognizing the signs of nursing home abuse or neglect is crucial for protecting vulnerable elderly individuals. Many victims cannot or will not report mistreatment due to physical or cognitive limitations, fear of retaliation, or embarrassment. Family members and friends should be vigilant for warning signs, which may include:
- Physical indicators:ย Unexplained injuries such as bruises, cuts, or burns; pressure sores; poor hygiene; weight loss; or dehydration.
- Behavioral changes:ย Withdrawal, agitation, fear, anxiety, depression, or unusual behaviors, particularly around certain staff members.
- Environmental concerns:ย Unsanitary conditions, inadequate heating or cooling, insufficient staff, or residents left unattended.
- Financial irregularities:ย Unexplained withdrawals from bank accounts, missing personal items, changes to wills or powers of attorney, or unpaid bills despite adequate resources.
- Staff behavior:ย Delays in allowing visits, unwillingness to leave visitors alone with residents, or defensive/evasive responses to questions.
If you observe any of these warning signs, it’s important to investigate further and, if necessary, seek legal assistance. Early intervention can prevent further harm and help ensure your loved one receives proper care and treatment.
Legal Remedies for Nursing Home Abuse
When nursing home abuse or neglect occurs, several legal remedies may be available to victims and their families. As an experienced nursing home abuse attorney, I help clients pursue appropriate legal action, which may include:
- Civil Litigation:ย Filing a lawsuit against the facility, staff members, or other responsible parties seeking compensation for injuries, suffering, and other damages.
- Regulatory Complaints:ย Filing complaints with state licensing agencies that oversee nursing homes and assisted living facilities, which can lead to investigations, citations, and facility improvements.
- Criminal Prosecution:ย Working with law enforcement and prosecutors when abuse rises to the level of criminal conduct.
- Medicare/Medicaid Fraud Claims:ย In cases where facilities bill for services not provided or for substandard care, pursuing claims under state and federal false claims laws.
These legal actions serve multiple important purposes:
- Obtaining compensation for the victim’s medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages
- Securing improved care for the victim
- Holding wrongdoers accountable for their actions
- Preventing similar abuse of other vulnerable residents
- Driving systemic improvements in care standards and practices
I approach each nursing home abuse case with compassion for the victim and family, combined with determined advocacy against those responsible. My goal is not only to secure appropriate compensation but also to help ensure that other elderly individuals don’t suffer similar mistreatment.
