When you entrust the care of your loved one to a nursing home, you expect them to be treated with dignity, respect, and kindness. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. Instances of physical abuse in nursing homes are a stark violation of both trust and caregiving responsibilities. If you suspect that your loved one has been abused, you may need the help of an experienced nursing home physical abuse lawyer in Huntington. Our team is committed to holding nursing homes accountable for their misconduct, ensuring justice for your loved ones.
Concerned Your Loved One Was Physically Abused in a Nursing Home?
If you believe your loved one has been physically abused in a nursing home in Huntington, WV, you may be able to seek damages. Contact Stewart Bell, PLLC, to discover your legal options.
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We Hold Nursing Homes Accountable for Physical Abuse
Nursing homes have a legal and ethical obligation to provide a safe, comfortable environment for their residents. When these facilities violate this duty by allowing physical abuse to occur, they must be held accountable. If your loved one has experienced physical abuse in a nursing home, it is important to seek the assistance of an experienced attorney right away.
Physical abuse can lead to serious injuries and severe psychological trauma. Some of the common forms of physical injuries caused by nursing home abuse include:
- Bruises and cuts
- Burns
- Broken bones
- Pressure sores
- Infections
- Malnutrition and dehydration
- Unexplained weight loss or gain
Each of these forms of abuse is a clear violation of the rights of nursing home residents. They indicate a breakdown in the systems designed to protect our most vulnerable elderly population.
While nursing homes often attempt to deny allegations of abuse to protect their reputation, at Stewart Bell, PLLC, we dig deeper. We meticulously examine every detail of a nursing home physical abuse case, following best practices to uncover the truth. Our goal is not just to bring the perpetrators to justice, but also to ensure that our clients receive the compensation they deserve for their pain and suffering.
What Constitutes Physical Abuse in Nursing Homes?
Physical abuse in nursing homes covers a wide range of harmful actions towards residents, including both active and passive forms of harm. Active physical abuse involves direct harm to the resident, such as hitting, shoving, burning, pinching, unnecessary restraint, and even sexual abuse. Passive abuse, meanwhile, includes neglect that deprives residents of their primary needs for survival and dignity, like food, warmth, shelter, and sanitation.
Both active and passive forms of abuse can have a significant impact on the physical and emotional well-being of the injured party. Improper handling, for example, can lead to injuries due to falls or improper transfers. All these forms of abuse are against the law and the ethical standards expected from caregivers in nursing homes.
Seven Indicators of Nursing Home Physical Abuse
Recognizing the signs of physical abuse in nursing homes is crucial to stopping it. Here are seven indicators that may suggest physical abuse:
- If you witness a medical professional threatening an elderly patient physically, it could be an indication of abuse.
2. The presence of sexually transmitted diseases or infections that cannot be explained by the resident’s medical history may suggest sexual abuse.
3. If your loved one exhibits mood changes that are more significant than what standard medical professionals deem normal, it could indicate emotional or psychological abuse.
4. If a resident appears dirty or unsanitary, and the nursing home building itself is unkempt, it could be a sign of neglect.
5. If a caregiver cannot provide credible reasons for a resident’s wounds, it may be a sign of physical abuse.
6. Sudden, unexplained changes in a resident’s bank statements, such as unusually high charges or transfers, could indicate financial abuse.
7. If a resident is not receiving enough food or fluids to properly function, it could be a sign of neglect.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s essential to take immediate action. Contact Stewart Bell to learn how we can help.
Reasons for Physical Abuse in Nursing Homes
Physical abuse in nursing homes can be attributed to several factors. These include inadequate staffing, unethical practices, insufficient training, high-stress levels, and a lack of effective management and oversight. The frequency of these cases is alarmingly high, with one study suggesting that up to 10% of seniors experience some form of abuse.
Physical abuse can manifest in various forms. Bruising, for instance, can indicate rough handling or restraint, while poor personal hygiene could be different signs of neglect, both of which are unacceptable forms of abuse. If your loved one has experienced any form of physical abuse, it’s crucial to contact a seasoned nursing home physical abuse attorney immediately.
At Stewart Bell, PLLC, we have a long history of standing up for the rights of abuse victims, navigating the complex legal process, and securing financial compensation for our clients. Our team of Huntington nursing home physical abuse lawyers provides a human touch, understanding the emotional toll these incidents have on victims and their families.
Physical Abuse Regulations for Nursing Homes
Federal and state laws stipulate standards that nursing homes must meet to ensure residents’ safety and well-being. In West Virginia, nursing homes must adhere to several requirements to avoid charges of elder neglect and physical abuse:
1. They must maintain regular contact with public health offices.
2. They should utilize helplines to report any incidents of abuse.
3. They must have valid nursing home licenses.
4. They are required to give residents a full month’s notice for any changes in billing and total costs.
5. They need to establish a detailed process to examine grievances and respond accordingly if there is neglect or physical abuse.
Failure to comply with these regulations can result in severe legal consequences, including fines, loss of license, and even criminal charges.
West Virginia legislation also provides protections for nursing home residents. The Adult Protective Services Act, for instance, mandates reporting of suspected abuse and provides avenues for investigation and intervention. Stewart Bell Personal Injury Attorneys is well-versed in these regulations and can help ensure that nursing homes are held accountable for any violations.
Stewart Bell Personal Injury Lawyers Can Assist You After an Elder Abuse Claim
If you suspect your loved one has been a victim of physical abuse in a nursing home, take action right away. At Stewart Bell, PLLC, we’re committed to bringing justice to those who have been harmed. Our goal is to ensure that those responsible for the abuse face the legal penalties they deserve. Contact us online or call 304-345-1700