Conway, AR Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
Sometimes, our loved ones have such serious medical needs that we are ill-equipped to provide adequate care. Many families choose to place their loved ones in nursing homes where trained professionals provide round-the-clock care. Unfortunately, nursing home residents are often very vulnerable, and abuse has been known to occur.
Abuse may include physical injuries, verbal harassment, and emotional manipulation. As such, it may be difficult to spot the signs of abuse if you do not know what to look for. If you believe your loved one has suffered abuse while living in a nursing home, remove them and have them examined by a doctor immediately. If your loved one is unable to take legal action on their own, you may do so for them. An attorney can help you begin your case and get justice for your loved one.
Ask our nursing home abuse lawyers for a free legal evaluation when you call our offices at (479) 316-0438.
How Does Abuse Happen in Nursing Homes?
Abuse can be hard to detect because it may happen in so many different ways, and abusers often try to eliminate evidence of their actions. Below are some common signs of abuse that you should discuss with your lawyer and the police.
Physical Assaults or Injuries
Abuse is often physical, and victims may experience severe injuries. If you visit your loved one and notice injuries that cannot be explained, you should be highly suspicious. Some injuries may be old and were never treated, leading to serious medical complications. A doctor may be able to evaluate your loved one and determine if their injuries are consistent with abuse.
Verbal, Mental, and Emotional Abuse
Abuse is often non-physical and may consist of verbal harassment, emotional abuse, and psychological manipulation. This kind of abuse is often difficult to detect because there are few physical signs. Our nursing home abuse lawyers may be able to prove the abuse if your loved one is evaluated by a mental health professional.
Financial Abuse
A major problem facing older people today, especially those living in nursing homes, is financial abuse. Many nursing home residents are retired and living off the financial resources they have amassed over their lives. Abusers may see this as an opportunity to exploit nursing home residents for financial gain. They may manipulate or trick victims into handing over their assets. This is often a problem for nursing home residents who have diminished mental faculties and are more easily manipulated. Check your loved one’s financial records regularly to spot signs of financial abuse.
FAQs About Nursing Home Abuse Cases in Conway, AR
How Do I Know if My Loved One is Being Abused in a Nursing Home?
If your loved one is unable to explain that they are being abused, you should look out for certain signs of abuse. Common signs include, but are not limited to, unexplained physical injuries, changes in personality or demeanor, or a decline in health. The signs of abuse may vary based on the nature of the abuse being perpetrated.
What Do I Do if My Loved One is Abused in a Nursing Home?
If your loved one has been abused while living in a nursing home, call the police and have your loved one evaluated by a doctor immediately. They may have unreported or untreated injuries, and the doctor might even find signs of past injuries that were never reported. The police can investigate the nursing home and determine who perpetrated the abuse and whether any other nursing home staff members or administrators knew of or participated in the abuse.
Can I Sue for Nursing Home Abuse?
Yes. Nursing home abuse is often severe, and victims may sue for their injuries and damages. If an abuse victim is unable to file a lawsuit on their own, family members may step in and file the case on their behalf. The court may appoint a family member as a guardian so the lawsuit can proceed. Keep in mind that the abuser may be criminally charged, and your civil lawsuit may have to wait for criminal hearings to be completed.
Who Can I Sue for Nursing Home Abuse in Conway, AR?
You may sue the person or people directly responsible for perpetrating the abuse in addition to the nursing home itself. Nursing home abuse is very often perpetrated by nursing home employees. As a result, these employees and their employer (i.e., the nursing home) may be on the hook in a civil lawsuit.
What Evidence Do I Need to Prove My Claims in a Nursing Home Abuse Case?
Evidence to support a civil lawsuit for nursing home abuse may include your loved one’s medical records, testimony from other nursing home residents, and additional information uncovered by the police in their investigation. Remember, evidence is unique to each case, and the evidence you need may differ from the evidence described here.
Can I Report Nursing Home Abuse to the Authorities?
Yes. You should absolutely call the police and report your suspicions of abuse. You should explain why you believe abuse is happening, and provide any evidence you might have, such as your loved one’s medical records regarding injuries. We can also contact the Arkansas Department of Human Services Office of Long-Term Care and report the abuse.
What Damages Can I Claim in a Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuit?
You and your loved one may claim significant damages related to the expense of the abuse. For example, medical treatment and the cost of finding a new nursing home or paying for in-home care should be accounted for. Also, you may claim damages for your loved one’s pain and suffering. In abuse cases, victims often suffer psychologically in addition to physically, and significant compensation may be warranted.
How Long After I Learn About the Abuse Should I File a Lawsuit Against a Nursing Home?
You should talk to an attorney about filing a lawsuit immediately if you suspect abuse. Personal injury lawsuits in Arkansas must be filed no later than 3 years after the abuse happens. If the abuse happened over a longer period of time, we may calculate the limitation period beginning from the most recent instance of abuse.
Request Help from Our Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers in Conway, AR
Ask our nursing home abuse lawyers for a free legal evaluation when you call our offices at (479) 316-0438.