If you have a loved one that is living in a nursing home, you expect that they receive the highest level of care possible. However, this is not always the case. In fact, there are many instances where a nursing home will not provide adequate care to its residents, often in the form of what is called nursing home abuse and neglect. If you suspect your loved one has been mistreated in any way while living in a nursing home, it is important to know your rights and how to take action.
Understanding the Signs of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect in Smithtown
In order to know if your loved one is being abused or neglected in a nursing home, you need to know what signs to look for. The following are signs of nursing home abuse and neglect:
Sudden Change in Mood
If a person who was once cheerful and happy suddenly becomes withdrawn, despondent, and depressed, it could indicate that they are being abused or neglected.
Lack of Hygiene
If a person who was once clean and kept up with hygiene suddenly has poor hygiene, it could be a sign that they are being neglected. Poor hygiene often occurs when there is a lack of staff to help with bathing and keeping the resident clean.
Injuries
If a person who was once physically fit and healthy suddenly has injuries that do not appear to have a reasonable explanation, it could be a sign that they are being abused.
Unexplained Bruising
If a person who is frail and has little muscle has unexplained bruises, it could be a sign that they’re being abused.
Inappropriate Touching or Behavior
If a person who was once respectful towards others starts to behave inappropriately or touches others in a way that makes them uncomfortable, it could be a sign that they are being abused.
Unexplained Weight Loss
If a person starts losing weight without explanation, it could be a sign that they are being neglected.
Compensation for Victims of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Or Mistreatment
If your loved one was mistreated in any way while living in a nursing home, you might be able to file a lawsuit for compensation. In these instances, the victim can often sue both the facility and the individuals responsible for the mistreatment. The most common types of lawsuits related to mistreatment in a nursing home include:
Negligence Lawsuits
If a facility or its staff failed to provide adequate care and proper supervision, this can be grounds for a negligence lawsuit. Lawyers need to investigate the facility to determine the cause of the neglect. This will determine if the individual caretaker or the facility is responsible.
Abuse Lawsuits
If a staff member physically, verbally, or sexually abused a resident, it can be grounds for an abuse lawsuit. Your attorney can help you build a case and file that lawsuit accordingly.
Wrongful Death Lawsuits
If a nursing home staff member’s negligence or abuse led to a resident’s death, this can be grounds for a wrongful death lawsuit. Consult a lawyer before taking action or making accusations. An attorney can tell you if you have a case or not.
Types of Abuse in a Smithtown, New York Nursing Home
There are different types of abuse that can occur in a nursing home. The most common types of abuse that occur in nursing homes include:
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse occurs when a staff member intentionally injures a resident in any way. Physical abuse can include hitting, kicking, restraining, or otherwise causing bodily harm.
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse occurs when a staff member coerces or forces a resident to do anything sexual against their will.
Verbal Abuse
Verbal abuse occurs when a staff member yells, swears at, or otherwise verbally harasses a resident. It does not matter if the staff is frustrated or overworked.
Psychological Abuse
Psychological abuse occurs when a staff member harasses, intimidates, or manipulates a resident in a way that causes emotional or mental stress. Nursing home victims are often at the mercy of their caretakers.
Steps to Take if You Suspect Abuse or Neglect at a Smithtown Nursing Home
If you believe your loved one is being mistreated in any way at a Smithtown nursing home, it is important to take action. The following are steps you may consider taking if you suspect your loved one is being abused or neglected:
Report It
The first step you should take if you suspect your loved one is being abused or neglected is to report it. Though it can be difficult, you need to put your emotions aside and report what you think may be happening. Then, take action to help your loved one out of the situation and into a better facility.
Get Your Loved One Help
Your loved one may need treatment after the incident. Make sure that you seek appropriate medical treatment as soon as possible so your loved one can recover.
Hire a Lawyer
Hiring a lawyer can help you investigate and take legal action against the facility. There are a lot of expenses related to getting your loved one into a better facility. Filing a civil lawsuit against the facility that allowed the abuse to happen is one way of recovering those costs.
Contact With a Smithtown, New York Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Lawyer
If your loved one is living in a nursing home, it’s important that you know the signs of nursing home abuse and neglect. If you suspect your loved one is being mistreated in any way, you should report it and take action. A nursing home abuse and neglect lawyer in Smithtown, NY can help you understand your rights and protect your loved ones.
Contact Dalli & Marino, LLP, to take legal action. We specialize in helping families take action against nursing homes that abuse or neglect their loved ones. Our team of elder abuse lawyers has the experience and expertise to win your case. For more information about elder abuse cases involving assisted living and/or nursing home care, contact us online or call (888) 465-8790. We also speak Spanish.
