Bakersfield County Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
What is Nursing Home Abuse?
Nursing home abuse can come in many forms such as physical, emotional or verbal, sexual, financial, and neglect or abandonment. When a loved one enters into a nursing home, they should be treated with compassion and care. Unfortunately, thousands of nursing home residents each year are victims of abuse. A California nursing home abuse attorney can help these residents get the justice they deserve.
How to Recognize Signs of Physical Abuse
Physical abuse may be the most common type of abuse. Physical abuse or punishment may include, but are not limited to:
- Broken bones or fractures
- Lacerations, cuts, or welts on the body
- Sprains and dislocations
- Bruises or black eyes
- Unexplained bleeding
- Signs of restraint (included marks around the hands and feet)
These, and other signs of abuse, should never be overlooked. Many times, a nursing home resident will have a sudden change in behavior. Be aware that many residents will not report or reveal the abuse, as many are frightened and/or ashamed.
Signs of Emotional and/or Verbal Abuse
Emotional and verbal abuse can have negative effects on a victim. The elderly are at risk of humiliation, harassment, intimidation, insults, and threats. Signs of emotional or verbal abuse may include:
- Sudden withdrawn or non-responsive behavior
- Becomes easily angered or agitated
- Any new and unusual behavior such as rocking, sucking, or biting
Signs of Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse is the act of performing a sexual act on another person without their consent. Residents of nursing homes may find themselves extremely vulnerable to this type of abuse. Some of the signs of sexual abuse include:
- Bruising around the genital area or breasts
- Vaginal or anal bleeding
- Genital infections or venereal diseases
Many sexually abused residents will display hostility towards nursing home employees when a staff member attempts to clean or dress the resident. The resident may become defensive and uncooperative when they enter their room.
Signs of Neglect or Abandonment
Neglect and abandonment issues are far too common in nursing homes. When a resident is neglected or abandoned, they are exposed to many complications that may cause them to fall seriously ill and may even result in death. Signs of neglect and/or abandonment include:
- Bedsores, dehydration, and malnutrition
- Unsanitary living conditions (for example, soiled bedding, lice or other types of insects, or a strong smell of feces or urine)
- Poor personal hygiene
What to do if Nursing Home Abuse is Suspected
If it is suspected that a loved one is not being treated with the dignity and respect they deserve, contact an attorney immediately. A California nursing home abuse attorney can help get victims of abuse the compensation they deserve.
A California nursing home abuse attorney should be notified immediately after signs or symptoms are discovered. Any type of abuse is a crime that nobody should have to endure and these signs should never be ignored. Contact a California nursing home abuse attorney right away and set up a consultation to see what can be done to get the justice your loved one deserves.
Free Consultation by a Bakersfield Lawyer 1-800-804-5431
If you or a loved one has been the victim of nursing home abuse, contact a Bakersfield nursing home abuse attorney to find out what your rights are in this situation. If you have sustained injury or trauma as a result of abuse or negligent behavior, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, physical and emotional trauma, and other costs. Contact aBakersfield nursing home abuse attorney today for a free consultation. Call for a confidential talk with an experienced and caringBakersfield elder abuse attorney who can give you sound advice on how to pursue your injury claim.
As your Bakersfield elder care abuse lawyer, we provide Free telephone, home or hospital consultations. We provide evening and weekend appointments. We have offices throughoutBakersfield for your convenience. We have successfully resolved thousands of cases in Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange County, Oakland, San Francisco, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, San Jose, Fresno and Bakersfield. .
