Nursing home abuse or neglect can take many forms, such as financial exploitation, sexual assault, emotional abuse, or physical abuse. Any type of neglect or abuse at a nursing home can cause serious damage to seniors in Indiana. If you recognize signs of such abuse or neglect, you must not waste any time in contacting an experienced attorney. Nursing home neglect lawyers can help victims of nursing home abuse and neglect recover compensation for their damages.
What Is Considered Nursing Home Neglect?
A nursing home is supposed to be a place where seniors can feel safe and protected. It is the duty of the nursing home professionals to ensure the seniors are not in any discomfort or pain due to negligence and that the seniors get the care and attention that they need. However, nursing homes can betray our trust through uncaring staff, gross negligence, or systemic abuse of the seniors.
The most common types of nursing facility abuse in Indiana include neglect, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and physical abuse. However, there can be several other forms of neglect, such as hygiene neglect, lack of supervision, social neglect, and inadequate staffing. The most common signs of senior neglect include bed sores, malnutrition, depression, broken bones, bruising, and anxiety.
Process of Filing Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuit
If you have identified signs of abuse or neglect at the nursing home, you have the right to file a lawsuit against the nursing facility. As a first step, you should consult with a doctor to determine how the injuries occurred and if any immediate medical care is needed. The medical check-up also helps serve as crucial evidence in a lawsuit against the nursing facility. After an initial consultation with an Indiana injury law firm, you will have a better idea of whether you have a viable case for filing a lawsuit against the nursing facility.
How Common Is Abuse or Neglect at Nursing Homes?
While there are some respected and reputed nursing homes in Indiana that provide excellent care, there are also several cases of abuse and neglect in some facilities. As the U.S. population ages, nursing facilities are getting increasingly crowded, and cases of abuse and neglect are increasing. A common reason for neglect is trying to cut corners in an attempt to save costs. For example, a nursing facility can be severely understaffed to cut operational costs.
How Can a Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys Help?
It is the right of a nursing home resident to be free from abuse and neglect, be granted privacy and be treated with respect and dignity. According to the Centers for Disease Control, several cases of neglect and abuse in nursing homes go unreported due to difficulty gathering data and evidence. However, an Indiana nursing home abuse lawyer can help.
You are welcome to contact us at the law offices of Wagner Reese. We have the skills and experience to go against nursing homes and get nursing home patients the justice they deserve. Our lawyers are also well-versed in the nursing home reform act and other U.S. laws designed to protect vulnerable nursing home residents.
