Vestavia Hills Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse Attorneys

Few people expect a loved one to be the victim of neglect or abuse in a nursing home. But these tragedies occur daily and in many ways. Because nursing home residents are uniquely vulnerable, family and friends rely on the facility and its staff to ensure their loved one receives the best care. Unfortunately, many fall short of the standard and even the law.

According to the National Council on Aging, 10% of Americans aged 60+ have experienced some form of elder abuse, but it’s estimated that just 1 in 14 cases of abuse are reported to authorities. When a loved one suffers physical, emotional, or financial harm due to the negligence of a nursing home, you have the right to hold that facility accountable.

Since 2003, the Vestavia Hills personal injury attorneys at Weaver Tidmore, LLC, have been protecting the interests of the victims of abuse and neglect cases. We have the experience and resources necessary to dedicate to your case and deliver the compassionate and personalized service you need after such a traumatic experience. Contact our office today for a free consultation.

Handling Cases Involving Different Types of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

Unable to care for themselves due to illness or age, older adults and their loved ones rely on nursing homes and their staff to deliver a high quality of care. While it is difficult to know the true extent of nursing home abuse and neglect, this type of harm falls into several categories.

Physical Abuse in Nursing Homes

The physical abuse of an elder in Alabama is a serious issue. Common types of physical abuse in a nursing home include shoving, pinching, hitting, kicking, burning, and slapping. Another thing that happens frequently is the inappropriate use of restraints that can leave bruising and keep a resident from eating, drinking, or using the bathroom.

Emotional Abuse in Nursing Homes

Even if not physical, emotional abuse in a nursing home can have severe consequences. When a staff member inflicts distress or emotional pain on a resident through insults, threats, intimidation, isolation, or humiliation, it can lead to depression, agitation, and other life-threatening issues.

Sexual Abuse in Nursing Homes

Sexual abuse in nursing homes is incredibly serious. It involves any type of inappropriate or unwanted touching, as well as a caregiver’s exposure to private parts. Whether a resident is incapable of consent or has been intimidated into staying silent, groping, sexual assault, and other forms of sexual abuse require swift action.

Financial Abuse in Nursing Homes

Financial abuse in nursing homes happens when a facility or staff member steals money or property from a resident, forges financial documents, or commits medical billing fraud for services that were not delivered.

Neglect in Nursing Homes

Neglect in a nursing home can be just as serious as various forms of abuse and exploitation. When a staff member withholds food, water, medicine, hygiene, or comfort, these can lead to emotional and physical issues that must be addressed immediately.

Be Aware of the Signs of Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse

Nursing home neglect and abuse can be particularly serious because of the low reporting rate of these tragedies. Some residents do not have the physical or mental capacity to report abuse, and many families are not sure about the possible signs and signals that something is not right.  Some of the most common signs of nursing home neglect, abuse, and exploitation include:

• Broken or fractured bones;
• Bruises, cuts, or other unexplained wounds;
• Sprains and strains;
• Signs of dehydration or malnutrition;
• Soiled clothing or bedding;
• Diagnosis of an STD;
• Not having the right amount of medication available;
• Acting withdrawn, agitated, or depressed; and
• Not being permitted to visit your loved one.

Holding Nursing Homes Responsible for Negligence

Nursing home residents have extensive legal protections under both state and federal law. Under state law, older adults can turn to Alabama’s Adult Protective Services Act and the Elder Abuse Prevention Act. On the federal level, the 1987 Nursing Home Reform Act gives nursing home residents a list of legal rights:

• Freedom from all forms of exploitation and abuse;
• Freedom from any type of discrimination;
• The right to privacy;
• The right to dignity and respect;
• Full information regarding services;
• The ability to participate in care decisions;
• The ability to make complaints without fearing retribution; and
• Flexible and reasonable visitation time with loved ones.

Nursing homes can be held liable for their actions or the actions of their staff if negligence caused the abuse or neglect, and there were resulting injuries. Some of the most common claims of nursing home negligence that we encounter include:

• Failure to adequately train nursing home staff;
• Negligently hiring unqualified or potentially dangerous staff;
• Failure to properly impose policies and rules against abuse, to appropriately discipline staff for violations, and to properly monitor staff;
• Not delivering necessary medical care to residents;
• Not providing necessary food, water, shelter, and medication for residents;
• Failure to provide adequate security at a nursing home facility; and
• Allowing dangerous or hazardous conditions to exist, leading to falls and other injuries.

If a nursing home has not met its standard of care and your loved one has been harmed, you have the right to pursue justice and compensation. An experienced nursing home abuse and neglect attorney will able to investigate your situation, protect your legal rights, and build a strong case that will lead to a positive outcome.

Do You Suspect Nursing Home Neglect or Abuse? Act Immediately!

There is no excuse for any nursing home that allows, perpetuates, or encourages the neglect, abuse, and injury of its residents. If you suspect that is happening, you should act immediately.

Report the issue to the proper local and state authorities and contact an experienced attorney to discuss your legal options.

At Weaver Tidmore, LLC, our Alabama nursing home abuse attorneys understand how to prove negligence in these cases and are committed to helping injured victims recover maximum compensation. Initial consultations are always free, and we never charge fees unless we win your case. Contact our office today at (205) 980-6065 to schedule your appointment.