Were You Or Someone You Know Abused In a Nursing Home?
Nursing home abuse and neglect is the worst nightmare of anyone who places a vulnerable loved one in a residential facility, but it does happen and the results can be tragic. Incidents of physical and psychological mistreatment can happen even when family members are regular visitors and everything seems fine on the surface. Fortunately, in the event of a serious problem, the law does provide some relief. If there is evidence that a family member has been victimized, the Russell Law Firm can obtain the compensation needed to ensure that victims get the quality care they need and their loved ones can avoid undue financial hardship.
What Are the Signs of Nursing Home Abuse?
Nursing home abuse is not always obvious. In some cases, victims aren’t even aware that an offense has been committed – especially when the issue is financial malfeasance. Other times, they may try to hide problems out of embarrassment or concern for their loved ones, or they may not be able to communicate the problem. When complaints are made, on the other hand, loved ones of people dealing with severe mental illness or dementia may be honestly unsure of what to believe – and unscrupulous homes and caregivers know they can take advantage of that situation.
This is why loved ones need to be mindful of possible signs of serious problems. Some of the most common harms of neglect and abuse to be on the lookout for include:
- Unexplained or suspicious injuries
- Signs of possible malnutrition and/or dehydration
- Untreated bedsores or other wounds
- Unexplained depression, anxiety, and/or irritability
- Weight fluctuations
- Medication errors
- Unusual or suspicious financial activity
- Unexplained or premature death
What Can Be Done?
If you suspect your loved one is being subjected to physical, psychological, or financial mistreatment or abuse, you can do something about it. First of all, don’t wait to seek out legal representation. Contact our office as soon as possible for a free consultation and we will explore what can and should be done.
It’s also a good idea to collect as much evidence as possible. This can include financial documents, photos of injuries, victim testimony, or anything else that suggests abuse may have occurred. This type of evidence can give our legal specialists the ability to create a strong case on your loved one’s behalf.
Contact Our Nursing Home Neglect & Abuse Attorney in Baton Rouge, LA Today For Free Consultation
If you have reason to believe a loved one is being mistreated now or in the recent past, the Russell Law Firm, LLC wants to hear from you. For more information, contact our office at the number on your screen or reach out to us through our contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions for Nursing Home Abuse in Baton Rouge
In Louisiana, a nursing home abuse case can typically be filed by the victim of the abuse, or in the event that the victim is unable to do so, by their legal representative or family member.
Yes, it is possible to have a case after just one incident of abuse in a nursing home. The severity and impact of the abuse, as well as the evidence supporting the claim, are important factors in determining the viability of a case. Even a single incident of abuse can have serious consequences for the victim’s physical and emotional well-being.
The most common instances of abuse in a nursing home include physical abuse, emotional or psychological abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, financial exploitation, and medication errors.
To help protect your loved one when placing them in a nursing home you should research the facility you are thinking of. Make sure that no one has mentioned any abuse in reviews and such. You will also want to visit your loved one regularly, the more visitors or consistent your visits are help you asses their living situation better. Regular visits also shows the staff that you taking care of your loved one and would notice anything off. Let your loved one know that if they notice anything wrong that they should tell you right away.
If you suspect or notice that your loved one is being abused in a nursing home, it is important to take immediate action to protect their well-being. While it may be tempting to address the issue directly with the nursing home, it is generally advisable to consult with an experienced attorney specializing in nursing home abuse cases before doing so.
You will want to document everything you have seen and still contact a lawyer. A Baton Rouge nursing home abuse lawyer might be able to make a case out of what you have. If possible you might want to move your loved one to a new nursing home.
No, your loved one does not have to currently be at the abusive facility to file a claim in Baton Rouge or elsewhere. If you have evidence or reason to believe that your loved one has been subjected to nursing home abuse, you can take action on their behalf.
The requirements for reporting nursing home abuse in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, generally involve the following steps:
- Document the abuse: Gather as much evidence as possible, such as photographs, videos, or written descriptions of the incidents of abuse or neglect.
- Report to the appropriate authorities: Contact the Louisiana Department of Health’s Health Standards Section or Adult Protective Services to report the abuse.
- Contact law enforcement: If the abuse involves criminal acts, such as physical assault or sexual abuse, it is crucial to contact the local law enforcement agency in Baton Rouge to file a police report.
- Seek legal advice: Consult with an attorney experienced in nursing home abuse cases to understand your rights, discuss potential legal actions, and determine the best course of action for seeking justice and compensation.
Yes, you can report nursing home abuse for someone who isn’t your family member. If you witness or become aware of nursing home abuse involving any resident, regardless of your relationship with them, it is important to take action.
Reporting the abuse to the appropriate authorities, such as Adult Protective Services or the Louisiana Department of Health, can help protect the vulnerable individual and hold the facility accountable for their actions. Your intervention can make a significant difference in ensuring the safety and well-being of those who may be experiencing abuse or neglect in nursing homes.