Families trust nursing homes to provide care and comfort to their loved ones. These facilities house some of the most vulnerable members of our families, and we would like to assume they are safe in their care. However, this is not always the case.
If you suspect your loved one may be enduring abuse or neglect in their care facility, the process of uncovering what is happening is not always easy. Working with a Silver Spring nursing home abuse lawyer can help you determine what to do next, if you have a case against the nursing home, and how to advocate for justice.
What Are the Warning Signs of Abuse in Nursing Homes?
The first signs of nursing home abuse are often behavioral or physical. Loved ones may recognize these red flags:
Physical Signs of Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect
- Unexplained Injuries: Bruises, cuts, fractures, or burns with no clear explanation from the staff or different explanations from different staff members
- Frequent Falls: Repeated incidents stemming from a resident who lacks help getting up to use the bathroom or move throughout their space
- Bedsores: These are often the result of prolonged periods without repositioning, which should occur regularly with a properly staffed facility
- Dehydration and Malnutrition: Signs of weight loss, weakness, and dehydration could be from a lack of proper nutrition
Behavioral Changes
- Withdrawal or Isolation: They may suddenly become withdrawn or uncommunicative without another underlying cause
- Fearfulness or Anxiety: A noticeable fear of certain staff members or situations could be a sign of abuse
- Mood Swings: Agitation, depression, or increased aggression could indicate a problematic situation, such as abuse
Environmental Indicators
- Unclean Living Spaces: Dirty or unsafe conditions, including soiled bedding, not changing clothing regularly, or unreasonable fall hazards
- Staffing Issues: High staff turnover, overcrowding, or understaffing are common causes of neglect
- Unattended Medical Needs: Unaddressed infections, untreated injuries, or missing doses of necessary medications all indicate neglect
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(888) 585-2188
The Role of a Nursing Home Abuse Attorney in Investigating These Cases
If you suspect abuse, enlisting the help of a nursing home abuse attorney can help you get a better understanding of the situation. These attorneys have the resources and knowledge to conduct a thorough investigation into your loved one’s situation. This could include:
Reviewing Medical Records
Your attorney may begin by examining your loved one’s medical records. These documents could show:
- Injuries or illnesses inconsistent with explanations provided by the facility
- Evidence of untreated or improperly treated injuries or medical conditions
- Changes in prescriptions or care without doctor approval or justification
Interviewing Witnesses
Witness testimony is often invaluable in these cases. Your attorney might interview:
- Residents and their families who have observed or reported similar issues
- Current or former staff members to provide insight into the facility’s operations
- Third-party caregivers or medical professionals managing your loved one’s care
Examining Facility Records
Facilities must maintain detailed records of staffing, incident reports, and regulatory compliance. Your attorney can request these documents to check for:
- Understaffing or staff members with a history of misconduct
- Complaints from other families
- Inspections citing any deficiencies
- Incident reports to corroborate specific allegations of abuse or neglect
Review or Request an On-Site Inspection
Agencies may have visited the facility to evaluate it firsthand. If this has not occurred recently, your attorney can contact the proper authorities, such as the Maryland Department of Health, to ensure it occurs. During an inspection, professional investigators look for:
- Unsafe or unsanitary conditions
- Signs of neglect, such as insufficient supplies or poorly maintained equipment
- Proper staffing for the number of nursing home residents
- The overall demeanor and behavior of staff members
- Proper certifications of staff members
Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys Have Access to Networks of Experts
Detecting nursing home abuse and documenting it often requires specialized knowledge. Your attorney may call in experts to strengthen the case. This could include:
- Medical Experts: They can evaluate injuries, illnesses, or conditions and determine if they are consistent with neglect or abuse.
- Forensic Accountants: They could uncover financial exploitation by tracing unauthorized or unusual financial transactions.
- Elder Care Specialists: They can provide insights into proper standards of care and identify deviations from this standard.
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A Lawyer Can Help You Build a Case Against the Nursing Home
After your attorney has evidence to show abuse or neglect occurred, they will analyze and organize it to develop a case. This requires:
- Identifying at-fault parties, which could include facility administrators or the corporate owners of the nursing home facility
- Establishing a clear timeline and documenting each instance of abuse or neglect when possible
- Calculating damages, including medical costs, emotional distress, and other damages
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When Should I Call an Attorney for Suspected Elder Abuse?
If you suspect your loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, act quickly. Contact a lawyer who handles these cases if you see:
- Unexplained signs of injury, neglect, or mistreatment
- A poor response from the nursing home administration when you report concerns
- A pattern of similar issues with the facility despite trying to resolve them
How Will a Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Handle the Case?
Nursing home abuse cases are both extremely emotional and legally complex. They can be stressful for both victims and their families. Having an attorney on your side could help by:
- Conducting a thorough investigation to support your claims
- Compiling evidence to build a compelling case for compensation
- Advocating for your loved one’s rights
- Managing negotiations and/or court proceedings
- Pursuing compensation to cover medical expenses, pain and suffering, and more
- Giving you peace of mind that you are acting in your loved one’s best interests
Learn More About Detecting Abuse in Nursing Homes by Contacting Our Firm Today
Jenner Law provides free consultations if you believe your loved one was mistreated or abused. Our nursing home abuse attorneys provide the resources, support, and advocacy necessary to protect your loved one’s rights and hold the at-fault parties accountable.
Contact our team today to get started.
Call or text (888) 585-2188 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form