Nursing Home Negligence/Abuse
Our Virginia nursing home abuse attorneys take a two-fold approach to handling cases of abused or neglected nursing home residents. They look not only to recover compensation for those who have been abused, but also to help ensure that future residents are not subjected to similar mistreatment. By fighting for nursing home resident rights and an end to elder abuse, our attorneys aggressively handle claims on behalf of family members who have made the difficult decision of placing a loved one in a nursing home, only to find that they are being abused or neglected. While overcrowding and understaffing is the cause of many nursing home abuse cases, our Newport News elder abuse lawyers know that there is no excuse for mistreating patients and will hold negligent facilities accountable for their actions, or lack thereof.
If you suspect a loved one is being abused or neglected in a Virginia nursing home, the first priority should be to ensure that individual is no longer in a dangerous situation. After doing so, it’s advisable to contact a Newport News nursing home abuse attorney to determine if steps beyond contacting state agencies are necessary to ensure, not only that the abuse or neglect is stopped, but that your loved one is kept safe in the future and does not suffer financially for medical treatment that was only made necessary because of the abuse. To find out if our Virginia nursing home abuse lawyers can assist in seeking financial compensation and an end to the abuse, contact our Virginia nursing home abuse attorneys today for a free, no obligation case review.
Signs of Nursing Home Abuse in Virginia
In an effort to curb elder abuse, our Newport News nursing home abuse attorneys want to ensure that families are aware of the signs that could indicate a loved one is being abused or neglected in a nursing home. Often dismissed as indications of dementia or old age, nursing home abuse signs differ depending on the type of abuse. For instance, physical abuse in Virginia nursing homes may be signaled by the following:
- Bedsores (also known as pressure sores or decubitus ulcers)
- Bruises, cuts and broken bones
- Unexplained injury or death
- Broken eyeglasses
- Sprains and dislocations
- Internal injuries or bleeding
- Lab findings of medication overdose
- Ankle or wrist marks of unnecessary physical restraints
On the contrary, emotional nursing home abuse in Virginia may present less obvious signs; the resident may become withdrawn or easily agitated, exhibit odd behaviors such as rocking, sucking or biting, experience mood swings, or develop low self-esteem. Indications of sexual elder abuse can include unexplained venereal disease; torn, stained or bloody underclothing; and bruising around the breasts and genital area. Signs of financial abuse in Virginia nursing homes range from sudden changes in the resident’s bank accounts to providing unnecessary services.
Newport News Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys
Families who notice signs of nursing home abuse in loved ones often, and rightfully so, need time to consider whether taking legal action is right for them. It is important for these individuals to recognize, however, that state regulations only allow them a certain amount of time to file a legal claim before they are barred from ever seeking compensation for their loved one’s injuries. Federal nursing home abuse laws may also interfere with the amount of time they are provided to seek compensation through the courts, as well as the amount and types of damages that they may be eligible to receive.
Due to the complex and restrictive nature of nursing home abuse laws, families considering taking legal action should speak with a Virginia nursing home abuse attorney as soon as possible to help ensure their right to file a legal claim is protected. To contact the experienced Newport News nursing home neglect attorneys at our firm, complete our free, no obligation case review form today.
