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Over a million members of America's elderly population require the care provided by nursing homes. Unfortunately, too many of these residents suffer nursing home neglect - dehydration, starvation, unsanitary and painful conditions, under or over medication and financial exploitation at the hands of the very people paid to care for them.
Victims are often unable to seek legal representation for themselves and must rely on family members and loved ones to do so on their behalf . If you or your loved one has suffered nursing home neglect, please contact us to consult with an experienced attorney that can answer your questions and protect your best interests.
Frequency of Nursing Home Neglect
According to most recent available statistics more than half a million people are the victims of nursing home neglect and abuse each year . These numbers however, reflect those cases of nursing home abuse reported annually. Sadly, nursing home abuse is grossly underreported in our nation. Additionally, as the number of Americans requiring care increases, so does the abuse rate.
Causes of Nursing Home Neglect
The most common cause of nursing home neglect are under-trained, underpaid and overworked caretakers transferring their frustration onto defenseless residents. The instances often go unchecked because victims either lack the physical or mental ability to seek justice or are intimidated into keeping abuse hidden.
Nursing Home Neglect Warning Signs
The first step in combating nursing home neglect is identifying the warning signs. Any of the following could be clues that a loved one is experiencing nursing home neglect.
• Loss of weight and other signs of malnutrition or dehydration
• Unexplained injuries such as broken bones, bruises, welts, lacerations, and burn
• Broken eyeglasses or other personal items
• Poor personal hygiene
• Personality changes including agitation, depression, confusion and withdrawal.
• Signs of dementia rocking, biting and sucking, and more
• Caregiver refusing visits from family and friends.
• Inappropriate medication indication of an overdose or lack of correct medication
• Bed or pressure sores
If the above warning signs or other suspicious factors lead you to suspect nursing home abuse, it is wise to speak with someone in a position to help protect you and your loved one.
Your legal rights
Securing the help of qualified attorney is the best way to bring those guilty of nursing home neglect to justice and protect the life and health of loved ones. A qualified attorney will understand the complexities of your case, advise you on the appropriate course of action, help you receive compensation for your losses, and work to prevent similar acts of neglect and abuse from happening in the future.
A qualified attorney can also help you report the abuse to the appropriate officials, which will be able to take further legal action against the offender to make the nursing home safer for residents and obtain justice against those who have committed elder abuse or nursing home neglect.
All claims involving nursing home neglect are subject to a statute of limitations, which restricts the time you have to file a claim . Seeking the early advice of a qualified attorney is the best way to protect your legal rights and interests.
How can I contact an attorney?
If you fear a loved one is experiencing nursing home neglect, or you have suffered due to negligence by a caregiver, please contact us to speak with an experienced attorney who will protect your rights and fight for the outcome you deserve.
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May 19, 2008 - Neglect at Hillcrest Nursing Home
Jan 07, 2008 - Daughter Awarded $54M in Nursing Home Neglect Case
Oct 15, 2007 - Family Files Neglect Suit Against Manor Care
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