Miami Nursing Home Abuse Attorney
Making the decision to put a loved one in a nursing home can be heartbreaking. However, we trust that our family member will receive the best care possible. Sadly, that is not always the case.
Millions of nursing home residents face abuse and neglect every year. Four percent of seniors experience it, but only 1 in 14 cases are reported to law enforcement. This means that nursing home staff members are allowed to continue their disgusting behavior.
This needs to end. It’s important for families of nursing home residents to not only understand the signs of nursing home abuse and neglect, but to also take the appropriate steps to report the situation and take legal action against the liable parties. Abusers need to take responsibility for their actions, contact our Miami nursing home abuse attorneys today.
Types of Elder Abuse
There are five types of elder abuse:
- Physical abuse. This is one of the most common types of elder abuse. This involves the use of physical force to cause pain or injury. Physical abuse can occur in various ways, such as by hitting, punching, slapping, kicking, shaking, pinching, pushing, shoving and even burning the victim. Burns, bruises, fractures and abrasions are the most common signs of physical abuse.
- Psychological abuse. This form of abuse can be hard to prove, so take note of how the staff interacts with your loved one. Do they threaten her or call her names? Do they taunt or tease your family member?
- Sexual abuse. Unfortunately, this occurs more often than you think. This involves a staff member performing sexual acts with a patient. Look for infections and bruises on the inner thighs.
- Neglect occurs when a staff member does not properly care for your loved one. Neglect can be done intentionally or accidentally. Many nursing homes are understaffed, so employees are often overworked and stressed out. The employee may forget to feed your family member, give him medicine or take care of personal hygiene.
- Financial abuse. This occurs when staff takes money from the patient. The staff member may steal money or coerce the patient into signing documents or changing his or her will. Look for missing assets.
Signs of Physical Abuse and Neglect
Are you concerned that your family member may be a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect? Look for these signs:
- Bruising
- Cuts or broken skin
- Bed sores
- Broken bones and other unexplained injuries
- Sudden change in weight (gain or loss)
- Change in personal hygiene
- Genital or anal infections
- Malnourishment or dehydration
- Victim seems unusually fearful of staff members
- Victim is cared to leave the room
- Victim becomes nonverbal
- Victim becomes antisocial or withdrawn
Hire Experienced Nursing Home Negligence Attorneys for Your Case
Don’t let your loved one suffer in silence. If he or she is showing signs of nursing home abuse or neglect, it’s a good idea to take swift action. Chances are, other residents are in the same situation. By taking action, you can protect others and stop this horrible situation from happening to others.
Let the nursing home abuse attorneys at Pike & Lustig, LLP help you with your case. It’s time to hold the nursing home and staff liable for their actions. We can help you obtain compensation for your loved one’s injuries and other damages. Contact Pike & Lustig, LLP today at 305-985-5281 to discuss your case with one of our attorneys.