Elder Abuse Lawyer
According to U.S. Census data, the number and age of older Americans is growing steadily which indicates that Americans are living longer. With the increasing number of older Americans, more are seeking residence in nursing homes and long term care facilities in their later years in life because of the level of care that these places are supposed to offer.
Many families struggle with the decision to place their elderly loved ones in nursing homes. They hope that they will receive more attention and care than they themselves are able to provide. A great deal of trust is placed in the hands of caretakers at these facilities. All too often however, the trust is violated and residents suffer injuries as a result of negligence and poor care. Often residents are not treated with the quality standards of care that are set forth by state law. If you have a loved one who has suffered injury due to the lack of quality care then contact our elder abuse lawyers today to discuss your case. You may be able to receive compensation for any damages that occurred from the abuse.
High Rate of Abuse in Nursing Homes
Often nursing home staff and management fail to provide a standard of care that is required by law. Reports show that over 30% of nursing homes in the United States have been formally cited for violating these laws that govern the level of care that is mandated for these facilities. The alarmingly high rate indicates that risk that senior citizens face when they enter a nursing home.
What is Elder Abuse?
Elder abuse can occur in many different ways and often it can be difficult to detect because victims are afraid to speak up and report incidents for fear of retaliation from the abuser. Victims may also be so incapacitated by their physical state that they aren’t able to notify others of the abuse. According to the National Center of Elder Abuse, some of the ways that elders can be abused include:
- Physical abuse
- Mental abuse
- Medical negligence and providing sub-standard health care services
- Sexual abuse
- Confinement through physical restraint, forcing the patient to stay in their room or in bed
- Neglect resulting in bed sores, communicable diseases, or malnutrition
If you notice any of the above signs of elder abuse then report the incident immediately with nursing home management. You should also consider hiring an elder abuse attorney to find out what your legal options are in order to hold responsible parties liable for their actions.
The best way to protect your elderly loved ones against nursing home abuse is by remaining aware and observant of any signs of abuse. If you suspect that your loved one has been abused by nursing home staff, speak with an elder abuse lawyer today to find out more about your legal rights. We can provide a voice for elderly victims who aren’t able to speak for themselves.
