It can be devastating to realize that your loved one was being abused while in the care of others, and it may be difficult to know how best to help them through such an ordeal. Families should investigate any suspected nursing home abuse and take prompt action.
Safety is the first priority of course, but once your loved one is secure again, you may wonder if there are legal remedies available to you.
A personal injury attorney who specializes in nursing home abuse cases can help you get financial compensation to pay for doctor bills, relocation, and other expenses related to the abuse. This is surely an emotional time for the whole family, but pursuing legal action will send a clear message to the abusers that their behavior is not okay.
Getting Medical Attention
After an individual has been abused in a nursing home, they need to receive proper medical treatment. Often, individuals who suffer abuse in nursing homes feel embarrassed and ashamed of the abuse they were subjected to and are reluctant to speak up about what has happened.
The first thing that doctors should do when someone comes in with signs of abuse is evaluated them for:
- Physical injuries
- Medical complications, such as infections and bedsores
- Dehydration or weight loss caused by neglect
- Psychological problems, such as depression or anxiety disorders
Once you or a loved one has been evaluated for injuries and trauma, you then have evidence for your nursing home abuse claim, not to mention the care needed. Your lawyer can then help you pursue compensation.
Steps to Take After Nursing Home Abuse is Discovered
After uncovering nursing home abuse, it can be difficult to be sure you’re taking the right steps. Luckily, your lawyer can guide you through the process, ensuring you’re taking the right steps toward compensation.
Struggling to recover from a nursing home abuse case? Here are some of the steps you can take to help a loved one recover:
- Remove Your Loved One From the Abusive Environment – The longer your loved one stays in an abusive environment, the harder it will be for them to recover from the trauma they have experienced. If they are able to leave the nursing home without planning or warning, they may be less likely to experience stress disorders.
- Encourage Them to Talk – Nursing home abuse can be traumatic for seniors who are already dealing with health issues and other challenges associated with old age. It’s normal for them not to want to talk about it but when they’re ready, encourage the victim to talk about their experience.
- Be Supportive – Listen to what your loved one has to say about the incident. It’s important not to judge or make any assumptions. Instead, just take them seriously and show compassion. Let them know you’re here for them and that you’re ready to help if they need legal assistance.
Talk to a Lawyer About Nursing Home Abuse Recovery
An attorney can help you determine if there is anything to be done legally against the abusers and the nursing home responsible for allowing the abuse to happen. We can also guide you through any legal steps that need to be taken to stop the abusers from harming anyone else again.
Ready to learn more through a free consultation? Call Brown Chiari LLP at 716-681-7190 or provide us with details about your situation by filling out our confidential online form, and a member of our staff will get in touch with you as soon as possible.
