Few things in life are more upsetting than noticing the warning signs of abuse or neglect. Your loved one deserves to live in peace and comfort in their nursing home facility, but the unfortunate reality is that many seniors face the constant fear of injury or harm.
The team at Jenner Law understands the weight of caring for an older family member. If you believe neglect or abuse has occurred, an Annapolis personal injury lawyer from our firm is ready to help. Let an Annapolis nursing home abuse attorney handle every aspect of your case.
You Have a Limited Time to File a Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuit in Annapolis
If you suspect nursing home abuse, it is important to understand that you have a limited time to act. A statute of limitations governs these cases and serves as a deadline that covers personal injury lawsuits. The statute of limitations dictates how long you have to pursue legal action.
Per Md. Cts. & Jud. Proc. Code § 5-101, nursing home abuse victims generally have a three-year window to file their lawsuit. Unlike some other types of injury cases, the exact date this deadline expires might be unclear. This is because the statute of limitations may be extended if the abuse goes undiscovered for a time.
Your Annapolis Nursing Home Lawyer Can Ensure You Comply With the Statute of Limitations
Having the support of a nursing home abuse lawyer in Annapolis may be critical. Your personal injury attorney can identify the exact deadline for your lawsuit and ensure you file with time to spare.
Failing to comply with this strict legal deadline can lead to devastating results. In most situations, the judge will have no choice but to dismiss the suit with prejudice. This would mean your loved one’s case is not only over, but they would also be unable to file again in the future.
For a free legal consultation with a nursing home abuse lawyer call,
(888) 585-2188
Our Personal Injury Law Firm does Not Require Upfront Legal Fees in Nursing Home Abuse Cases
It is natural to worry about the cost of hiring an attorney to handle a nursing home abuse case. Many senior citizens live on a fixed income, and their ability to pay legal fees might be limited due to their daily living expenses. The good news is that our personal injury law firm can help nursing home abuse victims without any upfront legal fees.
We work on a contingency basis. That means we will get to work immediately once you hire us without asking for any fees. Instead, we earn our payment by retaining a percentage of any financial compensation we recover on your behalf.
This is a win-win approach, as it allows you to pursue your claim without the risk of walking away with less than you had when you started. If you don’t get paid, neither do we.
Understanding the Types of Nursing Home Abuse
There are many different forms of nursing home abuse, and it is vital to understand each of them. Not every act of abuse involves physical harm or neglect. According to the National Institute on Aging, some of the most common types of elder abuse include the following:
Physical Abuse
Unfortunately, the risk of physical abuse is high in nursing home facilities. This can include a wide range of harm, including biting, kicking, punching, or burning a victim. Physical abuse can also include the unnecessary use of restraints.
Sexual Abuse
Any non-consensual sexual contact is sexual abuse. This can include anything from sexual assault to unwanted exposure. Some nursing home residents cannot consent to this conduct and cannot report the abuse to the authorities.
Neglect
Neglect is the failure to provide a resident with the basic care they require, including food, medicine, and hygiene. This treatment might be intentional, or it could stem from issues like understaffing.
Emotional Abuse
Some of the most devastating forms of abuse do not result in physical harm. This is because emotional trauma can be particularly devastating for the elderly. Some common examples include humiliating, threatening, or giving the silent treatment to a nursing home resident.
Financial Abuse
Many nursing home residents are victims of financial fraud. Unfortunately, this situation is ripe for fraudulent behavior, given that residents have access and control over their finances even in cases where they lack the capacity to prevent fraud. This type of abuse could be as simple as stealing possessions or as complex as altering the terms of a will.
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Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
When you have a loved one living in a nursing home, it is vital to understand the signs of abuse or neglect. They can be subtle and easy to miss in some cases, and many residents often deny being subjected to this treatment out of embarrassment or fear of retaliation.
Physical Signs
A resident’s physical condition can say a lot about their treatment. Any unexplained injuries, including cuts, bruises, broken bones, or burns, may be signs of physical abuse. Sudden weight loss, bed sores, or poor hygiene could also point to neglect.
Psychological Signs
Personality changes may also be a sign that something is wrong. Check for signs of anxiety, withdrawal, or depression. These changes are especially important to note if they occur suddenly. Other common symptoms can include signs of mental deterioration, like mumbling, confusion, or thumb-sucking.
When you notice these issues, do not be afraid to talk to your family member. If they are reluctant to discuss the matter, that might be another sign that something is wrong. Take immediate action by reaching out to Jenner Law to discuss your options. Our team can gather evidence of neglect or abuse and build a case for compensation.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Your Loved One Could Recover Compensation for Their Mistreatment in an Annapolis Nursing Home
No one should ever have to live in fear of abuse during their golden years. At Jenner Law, we proudly advocate on behalf of these innocent victims, and we are prepared to aggressively pursue a favorable outcome against abusers and those who empower them.
Contact us as soon as possible for a free consultation and learn more about working with an Annapolis nursing home abuse lawyer.
Call or text (888) 585-2188 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form