When to Hire a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer in Phoenix – Part 1
Leaving your loved ones in the care of a nursing home is something you hoped would be best for them since they have all the staff and facilities to help them. However, you may find it is not the best decision for them.
This is because, sometimes, nursing home abuse occurs. This can be physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, or financial abuse. No matter what form it takes, it is never acceptable. If you have a loved one who is a victim of nursing home abuse, consider hiring a home abuse lawyer in Phoenix, Arizona.
But before you hire a personal injury lawyer for your case, you need to understand what nursing home abuse is and the laws protecting it.
What Is Nursing Home Abuse?
From the word itself, “nursing home abuse” refers to a type of abuse that is inflicted on elderly people who are currently residing in a nursing home. It is important to note that nursing home abuse is not just limited to the elderly. It can also occur to people receiving care in a nursing home for other reasons, such as a disability or a mental illness.
This type of abuse can come in different forms, such as:
- Physical abuse: This scenario happens when a nursing home staff member uses force to harm or mistreat an elderly patient. This can include slapping, punching, kicking, or restraining the patient.
- Emotional abuse: This is when a staff member verbally assaults or harasses an elderly patient. This can include yelling, insulting, or threatening the patient.
- Sexual abuse: Any form of sexual contact between a staff member and an elderly patient is considered abuse, whether it is intentional or not. This can be very difficult for an older person to deal with, especially if they are already frail and vulnerable.
- Neglect: This type of abuse happens when one of the staff members fails to meet an older adult’s needs for food, water, clothing, shelter, or medical care. It can also involve leaving an older adult alone for an extended period or not providing enough assistance when help is needed.
All these forms of abuse are illegal and should not be tolerated. If you think your loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse, you should immediately contact a personal injury lawyer in Phoenix, Arizona.
The Laws Governing Nursing Home Abuse
The laws of Phoenix, Arizona, are strict when it comes to nursing home abuse. The Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) Title 36, Chapter 4, Article 9 lays out the specific provisions that deal with nursing homes and the abuse of residents.
Furthermore, the Adult Protective Services Act requires that all adults at risk of abuse, neglect, or exploitation be reported to the proper authorities. This way, victims of nursing home abuse can be protected and receive the help they need.
Lastly, the Federal Nursing Home Reform Act (NHRA) provides national standards for nursing homes that receive Medicare or Medicaid funding. These standards include requirements for the quality of care that residents receive and the safety and well-being of residents.
Final Thoughts
If you are experiencing or have experienced nursing home abuse, you must seek legal help as soon as possible. Nursing home abuse can have serious and long-lasting physical and emotional consequences. A personal injury lawyer can aid you in getting the compensation you deserve for the abuse you have suffered.
Bossie, Reilly, & Oh has a team of skilled and professional personal injury lawyers in Phoenix that can help you deal with your nursing home abuse situation. Get in touch with us today for more information!