If your loved one appears to be abused or neglected, don’t hesitate to take legal action. Protect your loved ones by contacting the Alabama nursing home abuse and negligence lawyers at Belt, Bruner, & Barnett P.C.
There are nearly two million nursing home residents across the country, and many of them suffer from neglect and abuse on a regular basis. These helpless residents are scarred physically and emotionally. Because of this, it’s important for family members to understand the common signs of nursing home abuse.
When you suspect your loved one is being a victim of abuse or negligence, don’t hesitate to call our personal injury law firm today at (205) 933-1500.
Nursing Home Neglect
Nursing home neglect is the most common situation in American nursing homes. Neglect occurs when staff fails to care for the residents or take action in a medical situation.
Neglect occurs in several ways. Staff members may fail to attend to the residents’ personal hygiene, which means that the residents are not getting dressed, getting their nails clipped, or getting their teeth brushed. Lack of nutrition is another major issue. When residents are not receiving food and liquids on a regular basis, they become malnourished and dehydrated. Nursing homes also have issues with sanitation. If a resident soils the bed and it is not cleaned promptly, the resident can suffer from infections and other types of illnesses.
Nursing Home Abuse
Abuse occurs when a nursing home staff member intentionally inflicts injury onto a resident. There are many common types of nursing home injuries. This may include assault and battery, rape, seclusion, or lack of medical care. The abuse may be physical or psychological in nature. A resident may also be taken advantage of financially. Financial abuse may occur in nursing homes or during in-home care.
If your loved one looks or act different, look for these common signs of nursing home abuse:
- Bed sores
- Dehydration
- Agitated demeanor
- Sudden need to wander
- Need for isolation
- Withdrawn/not wanting to communicate
- Loss of mobility
- Infections
- Unexplained injuries
- Rapid weight loss
- Lack of personal hygiene
- Unusual behavior (sucking, rocking, biting, etc.)
- Broken bones
- Frequent hospitalizations
- Altercations between residents
Getting Legal Help for Nursing Home Injuries
Nursing home staff is hired to care for and protect your loved ones from harm. If your loved one is suffering from constant injuries and illnesses for no apparent reason, you need to get to the root cause.
The nursing home abuse and negligence lawyers at Belt, Bruner, & Barnett P.C. can review your nursing home case free of charge. To keep your loved ones safe and hold the liable parties accountable, start by calling (205) 933-1500. If you or a loved one has suffered serious neglect or abuse in Birmingham, Mobile, Huntsville, or Montgomery, call an experienced Alabama injury attorney today.
