Nursing homes are supposed to uphold a standard of care for their residents. If your loved one was harmed due to a nursing home’s failure to meet that standard, an Aurora personal injury lawyer can help you pursue compensation.
When a senior suffers abuse or neglect in a care facility, it’s important to take action right away. A nursing home abuse lawyer in Aurora from Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., can take on your case and help you get justice for your loved one.
How Can a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Help?
If you suspect your loved one has suffered nursing home abuse, an attorney can help with the following:
- Investigation: A lawyer can collect evidence, interview witnesses, and review medical records to build a strong case.
- Negotiations: An attorney can communicate with insurance companies or facility representatives to secure fair compensation.
- Litigation: A lawyer can represent your family in court if a settlement cannot be reached.
A nursing home abuse attorney in Aurora can handle your claim so you can focus on caring for your loved one.
What Is Nursing Home Abuse?
Nursing home abuse occurs when a resident in a care facility experiences harm due to the actions or neglect of staff members. Common types of abuse that occur in nursing homes include:
- Physical abuse, such as hitting, pushing, or restraining residents inappropriately
- Emotional abuse, such as humiliating, threatening, or isolating residents
- Sexual abuse, which involves any non-consensual sexual activity with a resident
- Neglect, which entails a failure to provide adequate food, hygiene, or medical care
- Financial exploitation, which involves the unauthorized use of a resident’s money or assets
Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
Common signs of nursing home abuse to watch for include:
- Unexplained bruises, cuts, or burns
- Bedsores or pressure ulcers
- Sudden weight loss or dehydration
- Withdrawal from social activities
- Changes in mood or personality
- Fearfulness around staff members
- Poor hygiene or unsafe living conditions
- Missing personal belongings or financial irregularities
Families should document any signs they observe and report concerns immediately. Early detection is critical to protecting nursing home residents.
Common Causes of Nursing Home Abuse
Understanding the root causes of nursing home abuse can help you identify risk factors and prevent future incidents. Some of the most common contributing factors include:
- Staff shortages: Overworked caregivers may neglect residents unintentionally or act out in frustration.
- Lack of training: Untrained staff may fail to recognize medical issues or proper care procedures.
- Financial pressure: Facilities that cut costs might reduce their staff or quality of care.
- Poor management: Inadequate oversight can allow abusive behaviors to go unchecked.
- Resident vulnerability: Seniors with cognitive impairments or limited mobility are often targeted.
Steps to Take if Abuse Is Suspected
If you suspect a loved one is experiencing abuse in a nursing home, you should take these steps:
- Document everything: Keep detailed notes of all incidents, injuries, and any concerning behavior.
- Take photos: Photograph any visible injuries or unsafe conditions.
- Report the abuse: Notify the nursing home administration, local law enforcement, or adult protective services.
- Seek medical attention: Ensure your loved one receives prompt medical evaluation for any injuries.
- Consult a lawyer: Contact an Aurora nursing home abuse lawyer to discuss your options and next steps.
Types of Compensation Available
Victims of nursing home abuse may be entitled to various forms of compensation, depending on the circumstances. Damages you can potentially recover include:
- Medical expenses: You can recover the cost of treatment for injuries, rehabilitation, and any long-term care needs.
- Pain and suffering: You can seek compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the abuse.
- Punitive damages: You can pursue additional damages in cases of extreme negligence or intentional abuse to hold the facility accountable.
- Loss of quality of life: You can claim damages for diminished independence, mobility, or enjoyment of life resulting from the abuse.
- Wrongful death: You can pursue compensation for your loss and related expenses if nursing home abuse leads to your loved one’s death.
Why Nursing Home Abuse Cases Are Challenging
Nursing home abuse cases pose many unique challenges. Facilities often have multiple layers of staff, as well as legal teams prepared to defend against claims. Thorough investigation and expert testimony are usually necessary to establish a pattern of neglect.
A nursing home abuse attorney can significantly improve your chances of achieving a positive outcome.
Get Help from a Nursing Home Abuse Attorney in Aurora
Nursing home abuse is not something families should have to face alone. If your loved one has suffered abuse or neglect in a facility, a dedicated Aurora nursing home abuse attorney from Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., can help investigate the situation, gather evidence, and pursue the compensation your loved one deserves.
Time is of the essence in these cases, and every day counts when it comes to protecting the health, safety, and dignity of your loved one. Schedule a free consultation to find out how you can get justice and hold their nursing home accountable.
