Morgantown Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

Morgantown Nursing Home Abuse Attorney

You do not expect your elderly loved ones to be mistreated, abused, neglected, or disrespected when you entrust them to the care of a nursing home. Sadly, elder abuse is incredibly prevalent within nursing homes and can even result in death if unnoticed. While it is important to look for signs of abuse early on, it can still slip past us. If your loved one has endured mistreatment in a nursing home, a Morgantown nursing home abuse lawyer can help you achieve justice.

At Crowe Law, LLC, we know how important it is that your loved ones receive appropriate care. We are dedicated to securing adequate compensation for the trouble and pain you may have gone through to set you up with better opportunities for the care of your loved one.

Identifying Nursing Home Abuse

As common as nursing home abuse is, it can be difficult to spot. Additionally, nursing home staff may be dismissive of the claims made by an elderly person. Some of the most common signs of elder abuse to look out for within nursing homes are:

• Discomfort or refusal to speak around staff – Elders who are reluctant to speak around staff may choose not to speak up out of fear of retaliation or further neglect.
• Complaints about treatment – Elders who are vocal about their mistreatment deserve to have their concerns taken seriously and treated with respect.
• Poor hygiene – Poor hygiene can be indicative of a lack of care.
• Bedsores – Bedsores, which are a particular form of evidence of poor hygiene, indicate that an elderly person has been left unattended in their bed and staff has not helped them reposition.
• Inadequate hydration and nutrition – Patients may not be given sufficient meals or may be kept from eating by a lack of proper assistance.

Family members and other visitors should be receptive to complaints and suspicions that are shared by their elderly loved ones. Unaddressed abuse from staff can result in immense pain and suffering.

Different Types of Elder Abuse

Physical abuse against an elder in a nursing home may be more obvious to spot, but it is not the only kind of abuse one might endure. Different types of elder abuse include:

• Physical abuse – can include injuries like bruises, broken bones, and burns
• Sexual abuse – Signs of sexual abuse can look like pain in the genital region or recent development of STIs.
• Financial abuse – Exploitation or theft of a person’s assets and finances.
• Emotional abuse – This can stem from verbal abuse and belittlement, showing up as withdrawal, depression, or anxiety within the elderly.
• Neglect – Neglect occurs when a person’s basic needs are not met and can result in malnourishment or sickness.
• Abandonment – This can look like a lack of attention, care, or basic treatment. An indicator of abandonment is unsanitary living conditions.

Who Is Liable for Nursing Home Abuse?

If you choose to pursue legal action for elder abuse in Morgantown, WV, we must prove that the facility was directly responsible for the injuries or trauma sustained by the elder. Staffing issues that can contribute to harming an elder are inadequate hiring requirements, inadequate training, and lack of staff. Facilities can also be held responsible for the abusive actions of their individual staff members during the scope of work.

Additionally, any third parties and contractors who are hired by the facility to assist with the work may be held liable for abuse committed against an elder.

Hiring an Attorney to Assist With Your Nursing Home Abuse Claim

Deciding to pursue legal action is a big decision. It can be intimidating to engage in a legal claim against a business as an individual. Crowe Law, LLC, is prepared to guide you and your loved ones through the process of filing a claim and seeking compensation. Our firm offers:

• Comprehensive legal counsel and understanding of the court systems
• Empathetic and transparent discussion of your case
• Strong advocacy in potential court proceedings

FAQs

What Type of Abuse Is Most Common in Nursing Homes?

One of the most common types of abuse in nursing homes is emotional abuse. The World Health Organization noted that over 32% of nursing home staff have admitted to witnessing or engaging in psychological/emotional abuse against an elder. However, elder abuse is widely underreported, so it can be challenging to obtain definitive data about it.

What Is an Example of Emotional Abuse in a Nursing Home?

Some examples of emotional or psychological abuse include:

• Making threats
• Insulting or belittling the resident
• Forcing a resident to do something against their will
• Isolating a resident from loved ones

Nursing home residents who have endured emotional abuse can become withdrawn, avoidant, depressed, or develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

What Should You Do When You Suspect Abuse in a Nursing Home?

When you suspect abuse in a nursing home, you are responsible for informing the appropriate authorities and taking action to protect your loved ones. If an emergency has occurred, call law enforcement. If the elder has endured physical abuse or trauma, seek medical care as soon as possible. A nursing home abuse lawyer can help you pursue legal action for the abuse your loved one endured. Your first priority should always be the safety of the elderly.

What Is Outright Abuse of People Living in Nursing Homes?

Outright abuse of people living in nursing homes occurs when a staff member intentionally harms a resident rather than helps them. Outright abuse may be difficult to spot even if the signs are there because many instances of abuse happen in private settings. Outright abuse can include:

• Physical assault and injury
• Intentional emotional torment
• Sexual violence

Abuse is distinguished from neglect by intent. Neglect can be unintentional, while abuse must be intentional.

Protect Your Loved Ones With a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

Abuse is far more common within nursing homes than many people think. If you suspect that your loved one has been subjected to abuse, neglect, or endured a wrongful death in a nursing home, contact Crowe Law, LLC, to discuss your case. Our Morgantown nursing home abuse lawyers are prepared to fight for your rights and help you achieve a safe environment.