NURSING HOME ABUSE
Every year, thousands of nursing home residents suffer from injuries from physical abuse by trusted caretakers. In some cases, the abuse can lead to permanent damage. Unexplained injuries, bruises, illnesses and medical conditions are telltale signs of physical abuse among the elderly.
Physical abuse of the elderly, either by family members or healthcare workers, could mean criminal prosecution or even jail time. When the abuse is the result of negligence, civil penalties against a nursing home or home health agency are necessary. This means you may be entitled to compensation if you or someone you love has been the victim of physical elder abuse. Fortunately, laws governing the treatment of nursing home residents once they enter the care of a nursing home facility are well-established.
Types Physical Abuse
- Jerking
- Slapping
- Shaking
- Inappropriate Restraint
- Sexual Harassment
- Scratching
- Kicking
- Biting
- Pushing
- Rough Handling
Negligence and Physical Abuse of the Elderly
When a nursing home facility or home health agency is careless in its ability to maintain a safe environment for residents, the issue of physical abuse is a chief concern. Often, a nursing home facility that looks clean and well-managed from the outside can be hiding a negligent attitude about preventing accidents and injuries among residents or may fail to adequately train or discipline their attendants.
The federal government has laws in place to regulate the way that residents of nursing homes are treated and to ensure that their living facilities are safe. Additionally, each state has adopted laws for the oversight of each nursing home within its borders.
When a person enters a nursing home, the nursing home is responsible for providing a safe, hazard-free facility. This duty of care is violated when unsafe conditions cause falls and fractures that cannot be explained or other injuries that arise due to physical abuse. Also, nursing homes have the responsibility to report the cause and details of injuries; failure to do so could be considered illegal negligence.
Physical abuse of the elderly, either by family members or healthcare workers, could mean criminal prosecution or even jail time. When the abuse is the result of negligence, civil penalties against a nursing home or home health agency are necessary. This means you may be entitled to compensation if you or someone you love has been the victim of physical elder abuse. Fortunately, laws governing the treatment of nursing home residents once they enter the care of a nursing home facility are well-established.
WE CAN HELP
If you think that someone you love is being abused in a nursing home contact Zaman Law Firm today for a FREE case evaluation. We want to help get the justice you deserve.