Nursing home populations are increasing as the American population ages and families continue to spread out geographically. While most residents can enjoy a comfortable environment, many senior citizens and individuals with disabilities suffer abuse. If your loved one has suffered in a nursing home, the attorneys at Hinkle Law Offices, LLC., can help you fight to recover damages.
Reports about nursing home abuse are dismal. According to congressional reports, nationwide:
33% of nursing homes were cited for health and safety violations that could lead to injury or harm of the residents
10% nursing homes were cited for health and safety violations that actually did cause injury or harm to one or more residentsOther sources state that for every one incident of nursing home abuse that is reported, five cases go unreported.
Nursing home abuse can be physical, sexual, psychological and emotional. Types of abuse that do not leave injuries may be particularly difficult to identify. However, signs of psychological or emotional abuse that may warrant further investigation include behavior changes, such as:
Mood swings
Refusal to speak
Refusal to eat
Refusal to take medicationsSigns of physical abuse or neglect include:
Bone fractures
Bruises, scratches or welts
Bed sores
Poor hygiene (e.g. body odor, stained clothing)
Weight lossFinancial abuse is also common, so complaints of theft by a nursing home resident should not be ignored.
If you believe that your loved one has suffered nursing home abuse, your best course of action is to consult an experienced attorney. A lawyer can help you investigate the circumstances. In the event that abuse has occurred, you lawyer can help you fight to recover expenses and damages—financial relief you will need to find a more appropriate care environment for your loved one.
The attorneys at Hinkle Law Offices, LLC. in Albuquerque have more than 25 years of experience with nursing home abuse cases. Contact us to schedule a free initial consultation.
