Choosing to put an elderly loved one into a nursing home can be the most difficult decision you’ll ever have to make – and all of your worst fears may be realized if you start to suspect your loved one is being abused. If you are considering suing because of nursing home injuries and abuse, there are some things you should know.
Signs of nursing home abuse
Nursing home abuse can be difficult to spot – the resident may have a difficult time communicating to you what has been happening. You may start to suspect your loved one is being abused or neglected if you notice injuries to your loved one that may have been caused by being restrained; bed sores or ulcers; poor hygiene; or if, when visiting, you see staff displaying any sort of threatening behavior. Another warning sign is if a staff member is reluctant to leave you alone with your loved one.
Proving your case
There are several different things that you must prove in a claim of nursing home abuse:
• The nursing home had a duty to care for the resident.
• The nursing home breached this duty.
• The resident suffered harm.
A “paper trail” documenting any injuries or abuse can be vital in the lawsuit. This can include photos of your loved one’s injuries, photos of medications prescribed to the resident, any documentation that the nursing staff has completed regarding injuries, notes of conversations with the resident or the staff, and written observations of the resident’s physical and emotional condition.
If your case can be proven, you and your loved one may be entitled to compensation for emotional distress, pain and suffering (both mental and physical), physical impairment, loss of quality of life, and past and future medical expenses.
If you are concerned that your elderly loved one is being abused, don’t wait – get help for them immediately by contacting the police. And if you are considering a lawsuit because of this abuse, you don’t have to figure it out all alone. Atlanta attorney Laurie Robbins can help you through this difficult process. Call today for a free consultation, at 404-252-8117.