San Bernardino Nursing Home Abuse Attorney
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 San Bernardino 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 Nursing Home 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- Sudden withdrawn or non-responsive behavior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 Nursing Home Sexual Abuse in San Bernardino
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 Nursing Home 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 in a San Bernardino Nursing Home
If it is suspected that a loved one is not being treated with the dignity and respect they deserve, contact an attorney immediately. A San Bernardino nursing home abuse attorney can help get victims of abuse the compensation they deserve.
Free Consultation by a San Bernardino Attorney 1-800-804-5431
If you or a loved one has been the victim of nursing home abuse, contact a San Bernardino 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 a San Bernardino nursing home abuse attorney today for a free consultation. Call for a confidential talk with an experienced and caring San Bernardino elder abuse attorney who can give you sound advice on how to pursue your injury claim.
