Van Buren Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
People living in nursing homes often have difficulty caring for themselves and living independently. As such, they rely on nursing home staff for help. Unfortunately, many nursing home residents experience abuse at the hands of those meant to care for them.
If you are unsure whether your loved one has experienced abuse, check for some tell-tale signs. Suspicious injuries, unusual or concerning behavior from your loved one, and signs of disrepair throughout the nursing home facility may indicate that proper care is not being provided. On behalf of your loved one, you may claim extensive damages for medical care, finding a new long-term care facility, and immense pain and suffering.
Start your case with a free legal review by calling our nursing home abuse lawyers at (479) 316-0438.
How Do I Know if My Loved One Has Been Abused in a Nursing Home?
Injuries are common in nursing homes because residents are usually more vulnerable due to underlying medical conditions. However, the following signs and symptoms should be cause for concern.
Suspicious Injuries
While injuries might not be too unusual, they should be thoroughly documented by the nursing home, and family members should always be informed.
If you notice injuries that you were never informed of, and the nursing home does not have any record of an accident, you should be highly suspicious of abuse.
Unusual Behavior from Your Loved One
Physical symptoms might not be the only indication of abuse. Victims often display concerning changes in behavior and personality. You might notice your loved one suddenly becoming depressed, or they might become fearful around certain nursing home employees.
If you notice such behavior, talk to your loved one about what has been going on.
Signs of Disrepair on the Nursing Home Property
If you are concerned about abuse, you might want to take a look around the nursing home facility. Facilities that allow the premises to fall into disrepair may be more likely to overlook or even cover up abuse against residents.
Signs of disrepair or unsanitary conditions may directly contribute to abuse. If your loved one is injured, unsafe or unclean conditions could worsen their injuries or cause infections.
What Damages Should I Claim in a Lawsuit for Nursing Home Abuse in Van Buren?
When filing a lawsuit against the nursing home, you should talk to an attorney about the possible damages you and your loved one can claim. Damages may be quite substantial, and nothing should be overlooked or undervalued.
Medical Costs
Once you realize the abuse, you should take your loved one to be evaluated by a doctor immediately. The doctor may treat existing injuries and identify previously unreported ones.
Unfortunately, the cost of medical care can be more than many can afford, and you should claim these costs as part of your loved one’s damages.
Costs of Finding New Care
You likely do not want to leave your loved one in a nursing home that allows them to be abused. However, finding a new nursing home can be costly, and you might have few options within your budget.
The cost of moving to a new nursing home or seeking alternative care options, such as in-home care, should be added to your case.
Emotional Distress, Pain, and Suffering
Abuse often leaves deep, psychological scars on victims. Your loved one may be forever changed because of the abuse, and their mental health and quality of life may be greatly diminished.
Although damages for pain and suffering are quite subjective, they may warrant substantial compensation.
FAQs About Lawsuits Against Nursing Homes in Van Buren
How Can I Tell if My Loved One is Abused or Neglected in a Nursing Home?
You should look for classic signs of abuse, including, but not limited to, unexplained injuries, changes in behavior, and signs of a lack of care, such as poor sanitation. If you notice signs of abuse, talk to your loved one and the nursing home administrators about your concerns.
When Should I Call a Lawyer if I Suspect Nursing Home Abuse?
Contact an attorney after confirming your suspicions with a doctor. A doctor may evaluate your loved one and determine that their injuries may be consistent with certain forms of abuse. At that point, you should contact a lawyer and seek help from law enforcement to stop the abuse.
Who Can I Include in a Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuit?
You may sue the employees in the nursing home who directly participated in the abuse, in addition to the nursing home itself. In many cases, we find that nursing homes either fail to address abuse properly, fail to prevent it, or knowingly allow it to happen.
How Can I Gather Evidence for a Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuit?
You can start gathering evidence by photographing your loved one’s injuries and taking them to a doctor. Their medical records relating to their injuries may be crucial to proving your claims. We should also interview other residents at the nursing home to see if they know about the abuse or have also experienced abuse themselves.
Will Someone Be Criminally Charged for Abusing My Loved One in a Nursing Home?
Possibly. Abuse is not just grounds for a civil lawsuit. It is also grounds for serious criminal charges. Those found to have directly participated in the abuse may be arrested by law enforcement. Even nursing home administrators who did not participate in the abuse may face charges if it is discovered that they knew about or covered up the abuse.
What if My Loved One in a Nursing Home is Unable to File a Lawsuit on Their Own?
If your loved one is unable to take legal action on their own due to cognitive issues or memory problems, you may file the case on their behalf. Your lawyer may need to help you get approval from the court first, and you may need to be appointed as your loved one’s guardian.
Receive Help Now from Our Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers in Van Buren
Start your case with a free legal review by calling our nursing home abuse lawyers at (479) 316-0438.