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8 Circumstances When You Need a Nursing Home Abuse Attorney

care worker mistreating senior man at home

The thought of elderly patients sustaining harm from their caregivers at a nursing home is abhorrent. Unfortunately, it happens more often than it should, and many elderly or disabled persons are seriously injured or harmed due to negligence and straight-out abuse. While it is not a pleasant subject, it needs to be discussed to bring justice to those who are abused. Knowing the signs of nursing home negligence and what legal recourses you have can help stop the abuse and protect others from harm. The following are eight circumstances when you should talk to a nursing home abuse lawyer.

1. Unexplained Injuries

If you have a disabled or elderly relative in a nursing home that seems to have new injuries each time you visit, this is a red flag. Bruises, fractures, and other injuries are common with elderly patients, but they should not occur regularly. Nursing home patients are susceptible to physical abuse and may be frightened to tell a family member. Following up with the staff about injuries is vital – if the explanations seem implausible, it may be time to take action.

2. Medical Issues are Not Addressed

Nursing homes are designed for those with chronic medical conditions and disabilities that require round-the-clock care. Patients in nursing homes should receive medical treatments for their health concerns, whether it is an injury, illness or disease. If you notice your loved one is not receiving treatment for an ongoing health concern, you should report it to the nursing home staff. If non-treatment harms the patient, it may be a valid claim for a nursing home negligence lawsuit.

3. Severe Bed Sores

Pressure or bed sores are preventable with proper care. Immobile patients must be regularly moved to prevent bed sores from occurring. If a nursing home resident has severe bed sores, it is a sign of neglect. These excruciating sores can cause infections that can put their health at risk.

4. Preventable Falls

Falls for an elderly or frail person can be deadly. Nursing home staff and management understand that falls pose a significant risk of harm to their patients. It should be investigated if you have a loved one that was injured in a fall. Nursing homes should ensure that patients with mobility issues have help getting out of bed, going to the restroom, or transferring from a bed to a wheelchair. They should also ensure there are no fall hazards like loose carpeting and slick flooring.

5. Exposure Injuries

If you notice your family member has sunburns or other signs of outdoor exposure, you need to determine how this occurred. There have been repulsive cases of elderly nursing home patients left outside for long periods, resulting in heat stroke, dehydration, sunburns, and even death. Patients who rely on nursing home staff to move them from place to place are at risk of exposure if left outside in extreme weather.

6. Signs of Malnutrition

Malnutrition should not occur when a person is residing within a nursing home. Even if they have difficulty eating, nursing home staff should ensure they receive the nutrients they need, whether it is through supplements, softer foods, or intravenously. Patients who suddenly are losing weight may not be getting the nutrients they need.

7. Sexual Abuse

No one should be exposed to unwanted sexual advances or contact, especially those as vulnerable as nursing home residents. Unfortunately, sexual abuse has occurred in nursing homes, and it can have devastating impacts. If you notice changes in your loved one’s behavior or if they suddenly seem afraid of staff members, it is time to investigate what is impacting their emotional health.

8. Unsafe Conditions

Nursing homes have a responsibility to maintain safe facilities. This includes proper cleaning of the facility and repairing damaged equipment. Suppose a patient is harmed due to frayed carpets, loose floorboard, infections, improper bed rails or other unsafe conditions within the nursing home. In that case, you should talk to a nursing home negligence attorney.

Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuits in Georgia and Alabama

If you believe your loved one has been injured from nursing home abuse, you need a lawyer on your side. The Law Office of Dwayne L. Brown has offices in Montgomery, AL, and Atlanta, GA, and we want to help you get justice for anyone harmed by nursing home negligence. Call our office today to speak to one of our legal team about your nursing home abuse claim.

Posted on behalf of Dwayne L. Brown

3390 Peachtree Rd NE, Suite 1100
Atlanta, GA 30326

Phone: (404) 738-6000

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    3390 Peachtree Rd NE, Suite 1100
    Atlanta, GA 30326
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