Elder Care Negligence Attorneys in Sacramento
Many in Sacramento place their trust in nursing homes to care for vulnerable loved ones. Sadly, nursing home residents often suffer abuse and neglect. If you believe a loved one is experiencing nursing home abuse in Sacramento, you have the right to take legal action against the negligent facility.
In a nursing home abuse case, there may be compensation available for victims to ease their pain and suffering. Our Sacramento nursing home lawyers will work hard to fight for maximum compensation and justice. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Compensation in Nursing Home Abuse Cases
Compensation in nursing home abuse cases typically falls into two categories: economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and any other financial losses incurred as a result of the abuse. Non-economic damages, on the other hand, encompass pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Several factors come into play when determining the value of a nursing home abuse case. These factors include:
- The severity of the abuse
- The extent of the injuries suffered
- The impact on the victim’s quality of life
- The costs of medical treatment and rehabilitation
- Any evidence of negligence or misconduct on the part of the nursing home staff or management
Signs of Nursing Home Abuse to Look Out For
Physical and behavioral signs can often indicate abuse in a nursing home. These signs may include:
- Unexplained Injuries: Injuries like bruises, cuts, and fractures can occur due to falls, rough handling, or physical abuse. They are particularly concerning if they appear frequently or without a clear and reasonable explanation.
- Changes in Mood or Behavior: Emotional and psychological abuse can manifest as sudden changes in a resident’s behavior. Withdrawal from social activities, visible fear around certain staff or residents, depression, or a general downturn in mood can all be signs of mistreatment.
- Sudden Weight Loss: This might indicate that a resident is not receiving proper nutritional care. It can be a result of many factors including poor diet, depression, or deliberate withholding of food.
- Bedsores: Also known as pressure ulcers, bedsores are injuries to skin and underlying tissue resulting from prolonged pressure on the skin. They often develop on residents who are not moved frequently and can be a sign of neglect.
- Poor Personal Hygiene: Signs of neglect may also include residents with dirty clothing, bad body odor, uncombed hair, untrimmed nails, or any conditions that suggest routine personal care activities are not being performed.
- Unusual or Sudden Financial Transactions: This can include sudden withdrawals from bank accounts, changes in financial documents, or missing belongings. These may indicate financial exploitation.
- Lack of Mobility: If residents appear less mobile than before or are left in bed for long periods without assistance, it may be a sign of neglect.
- Environmental Hazards: Unsafe or unclean living conditions, such as soiled bedding, cluttered walkways, or bad odors, can indicate neglect in the upkeep of the environment.
- Signs of Overmedication or Sedation: Residents may appear unusually drowsy, confused, or unresponsive, which can suggest inappropriate use of medications.
- Reluctance to Speak in Staff Presence: If a resident seems hesitant to speak or appears nervous around nursing home staff, it could suggest an atmosphere of intimidation or fear.
Neglect and failure to provide basic care are also forms of abuse. Emotional and psychological abuse or neglect can be difficult to recognize, but it is equally damaging.
Look out for signs of emotional distress, such as anxiety, fear, or a sudden change in personality. Your loved one may become excessively quiet, exhibit signs of agitation, or show signs of emotional withdrawal.
Understanding the Different Types of Abuse
In nursing home facilities, abuse can come in many forms. Here are three common types of abuse that can occur in nursing homes:
- Physical Abuse: This involves the intentional use of force that causes physical pain, injury, or impairment to the elderly resident. It can include actions such as hitting, pushing, restraining, or inappropriate use of medication.
- Sexual Abuse: Sexual abuse involves any non-consensual sexual contact or activity with an elderly resident. This can include unwanted touching, sexual assault, or coerced sexual acts.
- Financial Exploitation: Financial exploitation occurs when an elderly resident’s assets or resources are misused or stolen for personal gain. This can involve unauthorized access to bank accounts, forging signatures, or manipulating the resident into changing their will or estate plan.
Abuse can also be perpetrated by other residents in a facility, not just by staff. If you suspect that your loved one has been a victim of nursing home abuse in any form, take immediate action.
Steps to Take if You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse or Negligence
Take immediate action to ensure your loved one’s safety and well-being. Here are some important steps to follow:
Documenting and Reporting Suspected Abuse
Start by documenting any signs or symptoms of abuse that you have observed. Take detailed notes, including dates, times, and descriptions of incidents. If possible, gather physical evidence such as photos of bruises, cuts, or unexplained injuries. Once you have collected sufficient evidence, report your concerns to the nursing home administration and regulatory authorities. Provide them with all the relevant information and make sure to keep copies of your documentation and all communication for future reference.
Seeking Medical Attention for the Victim
If you suspect physical harm due to nursing home abuse, it is crucial to prioritize the victim’s health and safety. Arrange for them to receive immediate medical attention from a trusted healthcare professional. The medical records and expert opinion will not only contribute to the victim’s well-being, but also serve as valuable evidence in any legal proceedings that may follow.
Consulting With a Nursing Home Abuse Attorney
To ensure that your loved one’s rights are protected and justice is served, consult with a skilled nursing home abuse attorney. They’ll have the experience and expertise to navigate the legal complexities associated with such cases. A knowledgeable attorney will help you understand your rights and take appropriate legal action on your behalf.
Remember, nursing home abuse is a serious offense, and those responsible must be held accountable for their actions. By taking swift and decisive action, you can help protect your loved one and seek justice for the harm they have endured.
Contact our Sacramento nursing home abuse lawyers today to schedule a free consultation.
Understanding Elder Abuse Laws
Elderly individuals residing in nursing homes have legal rights that are protected under the law. These rights include the right to receive proper care, freedom from abuse and neglect, and the right to be treated with dignity and respect. If these rights are violated, legal action can be taken against the negligent parties.
Nursing home facilities have a responsibility to provide a safe and secure environment for their residents. This includes ensuring that the staff is properly trained, adequately staffed, and that appropriate measures are in place to prevent abuse and neglect. Failure to fulfill these responsibilities can result in legal consequences for the facility.
Contact Our Sacramento Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers
No one should be subjected to abuse and neglect, especially those who need the most care. If you suspect your loved one is being mistreated in a nursing home, don’t wait to get help. Our experienced team will guide you through the legal process and fight tirelessly to protect the rights of your loved one. With Berg Injury Lawyers’ No Fee Guarantee®, if you don’t win, you pay nothing. Contact us today for a free consultation.
