Accidents and injuries happen every day in nursing homes – often due to chronic under staffing and lack of employee supervision. In many cases, these incidences are not accidents at all and elderly patients easily fall victim to their caretakers. Abuses can range from physical discomfort and neglect, to more serious injuries including death.
Nursing home victims suffer from starvation, dehydration, and even physical assault from employees and other patients. Elderly victims may be unable to communicate their injuries due to physical limitations or due to fear. Many times, the staff claims the victim’s injuries are due to an accident or fall.
Signs of neglect and abuse often go unreported, and it is suggested that only one in every fourteen incidents are reported to authorities. The under-reporting is often due to reluctance, practical problems, and failure to acknowledge something is wrong. Many victims are reluctant to seek legal remedies due to familial relationships, misplaced trust, and even fear of further aggression. There are also practical problems such as the inability to travel to see an attorney, and sometimes victims may not recognize they are being abused or may lack the understanding that they can seek legal assistance.
Detecting Abuse, Neglect and Physical Assault
Abuse and neglect often go unreported in nursing homes; it is reported that only one in every fourteen incidents is actually reported to the authorities. There are many reasons that abuse is under reported such as reluctance, practical problems of getting to the police or agency representative, and failure to acknowledge that the abuse even exists. Victims and family members often fear reporting the abuse due to fear of further aggression. Physical signs of abuse may include one or more of the following:
- Dehydration
- Bed sores
- Bruises, cuts and welts
- Sprains and dislocations
- Fractures and broken bones
- Unexplained weight loss
There are times when physical abuse does not leave a mark or physical sign, but careful observation will often reveal symptoms of abuse. Some of those symptoms include:
- Treatment at the emergency room
- Hospitalizations
- Fear of certain employees
- More withdrawn or reclusive
- Sudden changes in behavior such as rocking, crying, sucking, or biting
For a free legal consultation with a nursing home abuse lawyer serving Midland, call 800-863-5312
Wrongful Death Claims
If abuse resulted in the death of your loved one, you can file a wrongful death lawsuit. We understand that money can never replace your loved one, but it can serve to punish the responsible party. It can also compensate you for your loss of society and consortium, medical and funeral expenses, emotional pain and suffering, and punitive damages whenever criminal negligence was involved in your loved one’s death.
Nursing Home Abuse in Midland lawyers near me 800-863-5312
Zinda Law Group Can Help You
If you, your parent, or loved one has been neglected or abused, or if they died at the hands of their caretaker, you may have a claim for wrongful death along with a claim for loss of consortium. At the law offices of Zinda Law Group, we put our clients first. You can rely on us to be there for you and your family. Call us today at (800) 863-5312 and let us help you. The call and consultation are free, and you don’t pay unless we win.
Call or text 800-863-5312 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
