Tucson Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers

Common Signs of Abuse

Evidence of abuse varies depending on the type of abuse being inflicted. Common signs of neglect include:

• Dirty bed linens and clothing
• Dehydration, malnourishment and weight loss
• Filthy surroundings
• Improper administration of medications
• Overuse of sedation
• Development of bed sores

Evidence of physical abuse could include:

• Bruises and lacerations
• Emotional withdrawal
• Lack of explanations from staff regarding the patient’s injuries
• Torn clothing
• Bone fractures

Signs of sexual abuse may include:

• Sexually transmitted diseases
• Genital bruising or bleeding
• Blood on underwear

When patients are emotionally abused, they may display the following signs:

• Unexplained sadness
• Reduced interest in social interaction
• Self-isolating behavior

How to Prevent Nursing Home Abuse

You can do a number of things to make it less likely that your loved one will suffer abuse in a nursing home. First, be sure to tour any nursing home that you are considering. Look harder than they might expect, speaking to current residents as well as families about their experiences there. Research the nursing home’s history by finding out how long it has been in business and digging for any state reports on the facility. Stay vigilant for possible signs of neglect, such as low staff-to-patient ratio, use of restraints, cluttered hallways and overfilled trash cans. Finally, ask if the facility restricts visiting hours in order to determine whether staff could be hiding anything.

Unfortunately, abuse may still occur even after you have investigated a facility and placed your elderly loved one there. If you are not happy with your loved one’s treatment and are not satisfied with the staff’s performance as caretakers, consider speaking with a lawyer. You may be able to file a claim on the resident’s behalf even if he or she has passed away since the abuse occurred.

Get Help from Skilled Tuscon Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers

Elderly abuse is an upsetting situation for the resident as well as friends and family. If your loved one is being abused or neglected by a caretaker, our experienced Tucson nursing home abuse lawyers will review your situation and fight for the rights of your loved one.

Call Zinda Law Group at (800) 863-5312 for a free consultation with one of our attorneys about filing a claim. Meetings with attorneys by appointment only.