Know What to Do in Case of Suspected Nursing Home Abuse
Nursing home abuse and neglect is a serious problem that has only worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you suspect your loved one is being mistreated, it is essential to know what to do. There are steps you can take if you suspect nursing home abuse. Read the following article.
Talk to the Senior
If you suspect that your loved one is being abused, the first thing you should do is talk to them about it. This can be a difficult conversation, but getting as much information as possible is important.
In addition, it is vital to take note of any changes in their behavior or appearance that you had observed, as well as when you first noticed these changes. This information will be important if you decide to report the abuse or neglect.
Gather Relevant Evidence
If you are worried that someone you know is being abused in a nursing home, it is crucial to collect as much evidence as possible. This evidence can help you take action against the abusers and nursing homes.
Often, abusers will try to hide their actions, but evidence can help to catch them and prove what they have done. If you have information or evidence suggesting someone is being abused in a nursing home, you should share it with the proper authorities. This could include the nursing home ombudsman, the police, or an elder abuse attorney. Taking action can help protect the victim and ensure that the abuser is held accountable.
Talk to the Nursing Home Staff
You should also talk to the staff at the nursing home. This can be a difficult conversation, but it is important to try to get as much information as possible from them.
Contact the Pertinent Authorities
It always helps to know when to contact the authorities. This can be a difficult decision, but it is essential to get help for your loved one.
If you suspect that your loved one is being abused, you should get all the help you need. Many resources are available to help victims of abuse, and you should get in touch with a local or national organization to help you.
If you believe the senior is in danger, don’t hesitate to call 911. This is the best way to get them help and start an investigation into the abuse.
Get in Touch With a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been the victim of nursing home abuse, you should speak with a nursing home abuse lawyer. These lawyers have a lot of resources and information that can help you and your family.
A nursing home abuse practitioner can:
- Investigate claims of abuse or neglect in a nursing home
- Gather evidence to support the claim
- Interview witnesses
- File a lawsuit on behalf of the victim
- Represent the victim in court
Abuse in nursing homes can occur for a variety of reasons. Sometimes, it is simply because the staff is overwhelmed and undertrained. Other times, it is due to the fact that the nursing home is understaffed. In either case, skilled nursing home abuse and neglect attorneys will be able to help you build a strong case so that you can get the appropriate compensation.
Conclusion
Nursing home abuse occurs when a nursing home staff member causes physical, emotional, or sexual harm to a resident. Abuse can also happen when a nursing home staff member fails to provide adequate care, leading to injuries or death. If you suspect that your loved one has been the victim of nursing home abuse, it is crucial to contact an experienced nursing home abuse attorney.
Do you need a personal injury attorney in Phoenix, AZ? Trust Bossie, Reilly, & Oh. Our firm has litigated hundreds of elder abuse and neglect cases and recovered many six- and seven-figure settlements and verdicts for our clients. We firmly believe that the elderly and most vulnerable in our community deserve a voice, and we take pride in advocating for them. Request a consultation.