Wrongful Death Lawyer

Elderly physical abuse entails the use of violence or force that leads to pain, impairment, injury, or other bodily harm. It can be difficult for family members of the senior resident to figure out where odd bumps, bruises and other physical wounds are coming from. Nursing home caregivers, doctors, nurses, or other staff members that interact with the resident, may become physically abusive. Family members who witness these physical injuries but not the incident in which they happened, may feel helpless and unsure what to do.

What are all the ways that physical abuse may occur?

There are several physical symptoms that may mean abuse is happening to the senior resident. Family members may notice scratches, burns, bites, bruises and cuts in which both staff and the senior loved one have no explanation for. It may be even more alerting for the loved one to not respond or avoid the question when prompted about how these physical wounds came to be. Physical abuse may also happen through inappropriate use of restraints, and not providing adequate food or water.

What if I wanted to get injuries treated by staff, but my loved one refused?

Injuries that seem to be healing without any medical attention from the staff, may be questionable. Your loved one may want to heal these injuries by themselves, in order to hide the incident from others. He or she may be afraid of worsened abuse if he or she asks for medical care or tells someone about the mistreatment. Here are examples of other injuries that could be the result of physical abuse:

• Hair loss
• Broken teeth
• Sprains
• Dislocated joints
• Broken bones
• Internal injuries
• Malnutrition
• Dehydration
• Rope abrasions

How can I prevent my loved one from elder physical abuse?

Family members of the elderly resident can help prevent physical abuse by visiting often, observing social and behavioral patterns, watching out for any newly developed health conditions, and responding urgently to loved one emotionally acting out. Talk with your loved one about any concerns he or she has, and truly listen to worries. Family members may want to ask about why certain medications have been prescribed, specifically ones related to emotional and/or behavioral conditions.

How do I know when it’s time to file a lawsuit for physical abuse?

Family members who have reported the suspect abuse without a respectable response and investigation, may want to meet with a wrongful death lawyer Houston, TX trusts about filing a lawsuit. Incidents of senior abuse in nursing homes can be emotionally charged cases, so it may be best to hire an attorney that has represented clients in similar circumstances. After consulting with family members and evaluating pieces of evidence, an attorney can offer advice on how to move forward.

Is my loved one entitled to financial compensation for the abuse?

Senior relatives who have endured physical abuse in a nursing home may be entitled to receiving a substantial award in a lawsuit against the facility. He or she may be compensated for injuries, pain and suffering, and other damages. Family members who are worried that physical abuse will continue, may want to relocate the loved one to another facility or tend to them at home while the lawsuit proceeds.

 

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Thank you to our friends and contributors at John K. Zaid & Associates for their insight into nursing home abuse and how to take legal action.