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Recognizing the Red Flags of Abuse
Family members and friends of nursing home residents need to be vigilant in watching for signs of abuse or neglect, as older adults who require care are often unable or unwilling to speak up themselves.
Some common red flags include:
Physical Signs
Common physical symptoms of abuse or neglect include unexplained bruises, cuts, burns, welts, fractures, sprains, dislocations, bedsores (pressure ulcers), sudden weight loss, dehydration, malnutrition, poor hygiene, or unsanitary living conditions.
Behavioral Changes
Sudden withdrawal from activities, increased agitation, anxiety, depression, and fear or apprehension around specific caregivers can all signal possible mistreatment. It is also worth noting drastic changes in mood or behavior, rocking, sucking, or other self-soothing behaviors.
Emotional Indications
Some of the emotional signs of elder abuse include verbal expressions of fear, anxiety, or depression, withdrawal from social interaction, or reluctance to speak in the presence of staff.
Financial Irregularities
Among the indications of financial exploitation are unexplained withdrawals from bank accounts, missing personal belongings (jewelry, clothing, etc.), abrupt changes in wills or other financial documents, or unusual gifts or favors given to staff members.
Changes in Medical Condition
A nursing home resident who is subjected to abuse or neglect might display unaccountable worsening of a medical condition, frequent infections, dehydration, malnutrition, or failure to take medications properly.
If you notice any of these signs or your gut is telling you something is wrong, do not hesitate to contact a nursing home abuse lawyer immediately. The skilled attorneys at Michles & Booth can investigate your concerns and take appropriate action.
Common Forms of Elder Abuse in Nursing Homes
Nursing home abuse can take various forms, many of which often occur in combination:
Physical Abuse
This type of abuse involves any intentional use of physical force that results in injury, pain, or impairment. Examples include hitting, slapping, pushing, shoving, kicking, pinching, burning, shaking, improperly restraining, or administering unnecessary medications.
Emotional Abuse
Also known as psychological abuse, this involves verbal or nonverbal acts that cause emotional pain, anguish, or distress. Examples include yelling, screaming, threatening, insulting, humiliating, intimidating, isolating a resident from social interaction, or treating them with disrespect or condescension.
Neglect
Neglect is the failure to provide for a resident's basic needs, including food, water, shelter, clothing, hygiene, medical care, and supervision. It can result in serious health complications, such as dehydration, malnutrition, bedsores, infections, and falls.
Financial Exploitation
Financial abuse is characterized by the illegal or improper use of a resident's funds, property, or assets. Examples include stealing money or belongings, forging signatures on checks or financial documents, coercing a resident into changing their will or power of attorney, or misusing their funds for personal gain.
Sexual Abuse
Any form of non-consensual sexual contact or activity with a resident is considered sexual abuse. This can include unwanted touching, sexual assault, rape, forced nudity, making lewd or suggestive comments, or taking inappropriate photos or videos.
How Our Pensacola Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers Can Help
If you suspect your loved one may be a victim of abuse or neglect, it is crucial to take action immediately. Our experienced nursing home abuse lawyers can help you by performing the following services:
Conducting a Thorough Investigation
We will investigate the alleged abuse or neglect thoroughly, gathering all available evidence, including medical records, incident reports, witness statements (from other residents, family members, or staff), photos, videos, and any other relevant documentation.
Negotiating with the Nursing Home and Insurance Company
Our attorneys will communicate with the nursing home’s administrators and their insurance company to seek a fair settlement for your loved one. Our goal is to secure the maximum compensation possible for their injuries, medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other impacts.
Filing a Lawsuit and Pursuing Aggressive Litigation
If we cannot reach a fair settlement through negotiation, we are prepared to file a lawsuit against the nursing home and take your case to court. We have extensive experience litigating nursing home abuse cases and will not hesitate to advocate for you before a judge or jury.
Proof We Can Handle Your Case: Our Case Results
A Jefferson County jury has awarded $5 million in punitive damages to a Florida woman for the wrongful death of her husband, and against two Birmingham physicians and the University of Alabama Health Services Foundation.
After awarding a Wakefield family $1.55 million in compensatory damages, the jury voted to order Pfizer to pay $10 million in punitive damages over Warner-Lambert’s handling of Rezulin.
LIBERTY, Mo. — a Clay County Circuit Court jury was about to award $26.2 million to the plaintiffs in a Rezulin trial when the parties settled for an undisclosed amount Dec. 27 (Shirley Griggs, et al. v. Warner-Lambert Company, No. CV100 3957 CC, Mo. Cir., Clay Co.; See December 2001, Page 6).
