Recognize the Signs of Nursing Home Abuse and Physical Abuse
When a loved one is placed in the care of a nursing home or other type of long-term care facility, we have an expectation that he or she will receive the highest levels of care. Sadly, that is not always the case. There are different types of nursing home abuse and neglect that can take place in nursing homes. It is important to recognize the signs of nursing home abuse and physical abuse as soon as possible. Attorney Lynn C. Harris in Provo, UT, has helped many clients hold negligent and abusive nursing home employees accountable for their actions.
Signs of Physical Abuse
Physical abuse in a nursing home can include excessively forceful restraint, biting, kicking, burning, hitting, and more. Some of the more obvious signs of physical abuse include:
- Any unexplained injuries
- Bruises, scratch marks, or lacerations
- Sprains or fractured or broken bones
- Excessive weight loss
- Untreated bed sores
The evidence of physical abuse may not always be visible when your loved one is fully clothed, but there are other signs to look for as well. Behavioral or personality changes, such as irritability or appearing withdrawn, are some of the most common indicators of abuse. You may also notice poor persona hygiene. In some cases, your loved one’s existing medical conditions may go untreated, or new conditions may develop.
Other Types of Abuse
Unfortunately, many patients experience more than just one type of abuse in nursing homes. In addition to physical abuse, patients may also experience emotional or sexual abuse. Patients in nursing homes may also fall victim to financial exploitation.
What to Do if Your Loved One Is Being Abused
If you suspect your loved one is being abused in his or her nursing home, it is important to take immediate action. There are several steps to take, so contacting Attorney Lynn C. Harris is often the best first step. He can help you with all the subsequent steps in the process.
First and foremost, you should remove your loved one from the nursing home if abuse is suspected. We must also notify the proper officials and authorities, who will launch an investigation into the facility. It is likely that if your loved one has suffered abuse, other patients have as well. Reporting this abuse not only helps your loved one but can help others as well.
When you work with Attorney Lynn C. Harris, he will also conduct a thorough investigation of the nursing home. His investigation, along with the findings of the officials and authorities can determine if abuse actually took place and which party or parties are responsible. He can then help you take the steps in filing a lawsuit against the nursing home for the pain and suffering your loved one has endured.
Contact Our Law Firm Today
Nursing home abuse is serious and all-too-common. You must be diligent in monitoring your loved one for signs of abuse and take swift action if you have any suspicions. Contact our law firm today to schedule a consultation and discuss how to proceed against a negligent facility and abusive employees.
