When you entrust your loved one to a nursing facility, you rightfully expect that they will be treated in accordance with a high standard of care and current state nursing home regulations. When a nursing home or its staff do not live up to these standards and their negligence results in harm to a resident or patient, they could be held legally liable.
A Woodbridge nursing home abuse lawyer can offer guidance specific to the circumstances of the situation you are dealing with. When you or your loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse, our trusted personal injury attorneys will work tirelessly to see that any and all negligent parties are held legally accountable through a civil claim for compensation.
Common Instances of Nursing Home Abuse
Abuse in a nursing home setting can take many forms. It may involve actual physical abuse of vulnerable residents, but it can also manifest in other ways. As a result, the warning signs of nursing home abuse can span a broad range of circumstances.
Common signs of physical and emotional nursing home neglect include but are not limited to:
- Bedsores
- Mood swings
- Cuts or bruises
- Increased fear and anxiety
- Loss of interest in hobbies
- Unexplained weight changes
- Indications of suicidal inclinations
- Withdrawal from social settings
- Sudden onset of infections or illnesses
- Soiled or unkempt bedding or clothing
- Indications of malnutrition or dehydration
Residents may also display changes in mood or personality around specific caregivers or nursing home employees if neglect or abuse is taking place. A Woodbridge attorney with experience handling cases involving mistreatment of residents in a long-term care facility can help you determine whether abuse is taking place.
Financial Abuse in Skilled Nursing Facilities
Financial abuse is another common example of negligent or willful wrongdoing in a nursing home setting. It is also the most difficult to spot. Some signs that could indicate that a nursing home resident has fallen victim to financial abuse include:
- Identity theft
- Missing personal property
- Revisions made to wills or other documents
- Unexplained activity on the resident’s credit cards
- Sudden alterations to the individual’s financial affairs
- Withdrawals or account changes that cannot be easily explained
Multiple parties could be legally liable in a nursing home abuse case, including nursing home staff, doctors, nurses, management, the company or facility that owns the nursing home, and even another resident. If someone suspects nursing home abuse is taking place, they should contact a Woodbridge attorney immediately to look into the matter.
Financial Recovery for Victims of Nursing Home Abuse
When it comes to financial recovery in a nursing home abuse case, compensation for medical expenses, pain, suffering, and more may be recoverable. A Woodbridge elder abuse attorney can pursue this money for the victim and their family through a civil lawsuit.
If the resident passed away and it is believed that the negligence of the nursing home or its staff played a role, it may also be possible to file a wrongful death claim seeking damages on behalf of the bereaved family.
In any case revolving around alleged negligence or willful abuse in a nursing home setting, the preservation of evidence is vital. Evidence comes in many forms, including:
- Hospital records
- Financial records
- Photo, video, or audio documenting the alleged abuse or injuries from it
- Testimony from witnesses (i.e., other residents, family members, nurses, or aides)
For help uncovering more evidence that could be used to support a claim for compensation, reach out as soon as possible. An attorney can investigate potential nursing home abuse in Woodbridge to determine what course of action and strategies may be most advantageous. Together we can seek full and fair recovery of financial damages.
Consult with a Woodbridge Nursing Home Abuse Attorney to Seek Justice
Negligence or willful recklessness in a long-term care facility can lead to serious or even deadly harm to residents. A Woodbridge nursing home abuse lawyer is well-acquainted with navigating the tactics and strategies insurance companies use in an effort to avoid paying out personal injury claims, and will fight aggressively for justice for vulnerable people.
Our team can assess your potential claim and advise what the best next steps are for your situation. Contact Fredson Statmore Bitterman, LLC today to receive a free consultation and one-on-one attention.
