No one wants to imagine a parent or close loved one suffering abuse in a nursing home. But, the reality is that many residents suffer physical, mental, or even sexual abuse, as well as various forms of nursing home neglect. This misconduct by facility staff can lead to painful, costly, and avoidable injuries, and nursing homes should be liable for the harm caused to residents.
Unfortunately, nursing home abuse is rarely reported by victims. Some might have received threats or otherwise fear retaliation and additional harm by an abuser if they tell anyone. Others might not have the cognitive understanding to fully process what happened – though they can still certainly experience serious pain and suffering from the abuse.
If you are a family member of someone in a nursing home, you should always keep an eye out for signs of possible nursing home abuse. If you notice anything concerning, discuss it with a nursing home abuse attorney in Illinois.
Physical abuse often leaves residents with various traumatic injuries. These might include
All of these injuries need medical attention, especially when the victim is already in frail health. This results in pain to your loved one, unnecessary expenses, and much more.
Some nursing home residents fall or have other accidents that are not caused by abuse. However, if your loved one has specific injuries that appear to be from assault, or multiple injuries in various stages of healing, you should be concerned.
All types of abuse can take a toll on your loved one’s mental and emotional well-being, even if there are no physical injuries involved. Some abuse victims might become withdrawn or depressed, and others might regress mentally much faster than they otherwise would have. If you notice unexplained and sudden changes in your loved one’s mood, personality, or mental state, make sure to inquire into the possibility of nursing home abuse.
Sometimes, abuse comes in the form of neglect, which can involve staff members ignoring important and treatable medical issues. For example, if your loved one has untreated bedsores, it can be a sign of severe neglect. Staff should not be allowing residents to stay in one spot in their beds or wheelchairs without proper position shifts or treatment for forming bedsores. These sores and other preventable conditions are a sign they are not receiving the care they need.
If you suspect that your loved one suffered injuries due to nursing home abuse, you should not wait to consult with our team at The Horwitz Law Group. We can help you determine whether abuse was the source of injuries and ensure that your loved one is safe from further harm. We will then work to hold the facility fully liable for the injuries and losses your loved one experienced. Contact us to learn more today.
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