Some degree of bruising is common for elderly individuals as the skin becomes weak and brittle with age. Additionally, some elderly individuals may be on certain medications that cause their skin to thin. However, sometimes unexplained bruises or injuries could be a sign that your loved one is experiencing neglect or abuse by their caregiver.
In accordance with federal law, nursing home facilities are required to note injuries as “ an injury of unknown source” if the cause of injury was not observed or can’t be explained by the resident. The facility is also required to note the severity of the injury, where it is on the body, and how it progresses over a period of time. If your loved one has an injury or bruise of an unknown source, you may want to investigate their long-term care facility.
Nursing home residents have legal rights and should never be the subject of abuse or neglect. Working with a skilled nursing home abuse lawyer is the best way to ensure your elderly loved ones are protected in situations of neglect and abuse.
What to Know About Unexplained Bruises in Nursing Homes
Also referred to as a contusion, a bruise is any soft-tissue injury that causes blood vessels to rupture and the surrounding skin to become discolored. As a person becomes older, their skin is more susceptible to bruising. In addition, other factors, such as diseases, medications, and naturally thinning skin, can make elderly individuals more prone to bruising skin. While a bruise can be caused by a variety of factors, sometimes, it can signal abuse or neglect. If you notice your loved one consistently has bruises, it can be a reason for concern—especially if they can never tell you how they got the bruise. Some signs that your loved one’s bruises are not due to normal factors but are rather a cause of neglect or abuse include:
- They consistently have recurring bruises in the same location
- Their bruises have unusual shapes, specifically in the form of knuckles or fingers
- Their bruises last a long time and seem to never go away
- Their bruises are in unusual areas, such as the neck face, and torso
These are just a few common indicators that could signal neglect or abuse. If you suspect that your loved one’s bruises are the result of neglect or abuse, it’s essential to take action.
Steps to Take If You Find Bruises on Your Loved One
If your loved one lives in a nursing home facility and you’ve started to notice bruises or other unexplained injuries, it’s essential to act. Start by asking your loved one how and when they got the bruise or injury. If they are unable to tell you the cause of the injury, it can signal abuse. Be sure to take note of the location, size, and color of the bruise and look for any other scrapes or marks. In general, it’s a good idea to take a photo of the injury and document it is progression. Additionally, be sure to report the injury to nursing home staff, and depending on the situation, request an investigation into the injury.
Contact an Expert Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer in New York City
If you suspect your loved one’s bruises are the result of abuse or neglect, it’s important to seek legal representation. Many of New York’s nursing homes suffer from significant understaffing, causing widespread problems of neglect and abuse that are unacceptable. At Dalli & Marino, we are dedicated to fighting the injustices in the nursing home system and ensuring your loved one’s rights are upheld.
Our seasoned New York trial attorneys have been aggressively advocating for victims of nursing home abuse since 1996. We are committed to cultivating strong relationships with our clients through trusted, reliable communication. Our team of skilled attorneys approaches each case on an individual basis and is dedicated to helping you recover the money you deserve to compensate for your experience. Give us a call at (888) 465-8790 or complete our contact form today.
