We entrust care facilities and the trained professionals within them with the well-being of our loved ones. However, these nursing homes and their workers can exhibit neglect, carelessness, and other failures that lead to serious injuries and pain for those we care about. A Clark nursing home abuse lawyer can illuminate harmful practices and unmet standards within care facilities by assisting injured patients and their families in obtaining the justice they deserve. Learn more about how our skilled personal injury attorneys can advocate for you and your loved one in a nursing home abuse case and pursue compensation for any resulting damages by contacting our team.
Causes of Nursing Home Abuse
Nursing home abuse can manifest in various forms and include both systemic failures within a nursing home and poor care from individual staff members. Poorly operated nursing homes may be susceptible to issues and practices that constitute abuse due to the harm they inflict on residents. Common causes of these failures include:
- Poor Staff Ratios: Insufficient staffing can result in residents not receiving timely care. When there are too few caregivers available, it becomes difficult to adequately attend to each resident’s needs.
- Lack of Resources: A shortage of resources may prevent residents from having access to the supplies or medical equipment they require, which can impede proper care and treatment.
- Untrained Staff: Staff members who lack adequate training may not understand the specific needs of their residents, leading to oversight and neglect.
Injuries resulting from systemic nursing home abuse can range from pressure sores to severe medical complications arising from delayed or undiagnosed conditions. Nursing home residents are a particularly vulnerable segment of the population due to their often more limited ability to care for themselves and advocate for their needs. When you suspect your loved one has experienced neglect or abuse in a nursing home in Clark, reach out to our attorneys for guidance on the steps you can take to protect them.
Signs of Abuse or Neglect in a Nursing Home
Family members need to stay vigilant for signs of nursing home abuse or neglect, as residents may be unable or afraid to report what is happening. Some common indicators include:
- Unexplained Injuries: Bruises, cuts, or fractures without a clear explanation may suggest physical abuse or neglect
- Sudden Weight Loss or Dehydration: Significant changes in weight or frequent dehydration can indicate that the resident is not receiving proper nutrition or care
- Poor Hygiene: If a loved one appears unbathed, has soiled clothing, or is living in unsanitary conditions, it may be a sign of neglect
- Emotional Withdrawal: Changes in mood, depression, or anxiety, particularly around staff members, may point to emotional or psychological abuse
- Bedsores or Pressure Ulcers: These painful injuries result from a lack of movement and insufficient medical attention
- Unexplained Financial Transactions: Sudden, unexplained withdrawals or changes in financial status can indicate financial exploitation
If you notice any of these warning signs, it is crucial to investigate further and seek help from a Clark attorney who is experienced in handling nursing home abuse cases. Your attentiveness can make all the difference in protecting your loved one.
Deadline to File a Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuit
New Jersey has a two-year statute of limitations that applies to personal injury lawsuits, including those arising from nursing home abuse. This creates a two-year deadline for filing a lawsuit that generally begins on the date of the injury’s occurrence or discovery. Meeting with a Clark nursing home abuse attorney as soon as possible after learning about a loved one’s injury in a facility is important for determining the applicable filing deadline and preserving your right to seek compensation.
Schedule a Consultation With a Clark Nursing Home Abuse Attorney
Harmful actions against the vulnerable should not occur within the facilities established to care for and protect them. Taking action against those who have harmed your loved one in a nursing home can raise awareness and play a vital role in preventing future abuse. At Fredson Statmore Bitterman, LLC, we provide the resources of a large firm while giving your unique case the specialized attention it deserves. We are highly accessible to our clients and offer free consultations to discuss your situation. Schedule a consultation with us today.
