Why Choose Midwest Injury Lawyers
Most people know that nursing home abuse is a growing problem in America. The senior population deserves quality care and respect; instead, many who reside in nursing homes face many different types of abuse and neglect. Some even are subject to it daily. Unfortunately, many family members who discover their loved one’s abuse don’t know where to turn for help.
The good news is that they can turn to Midwest Injury Lawyers. Our team of reputable Hammond nursing home abuse lawyers is well-versed in this area of Indiana law and the rights of nursing home residents and the elderly. We aren’t afraid to stand up to large nursing home corporations or their attorneys when it comes to protecting your rights or the rights of your elderly family member.
We take pride in adapting our legal representation to meet our clients’ unique needs and skillfully guiding them through each phase of the multifaceted legal process. Our Hammond nursing home abuse attorneys are aggressive and effective litigators. Still, they are also counselors that can provide clients with practical legal advice about their best options.
Notable Nursing Home Injury Facts
Nursing home abuse is far too common in facilities throughout Indiana. The WHO reported that two in three staff members (64 percent of study participants) had committed some form of abuse as a caregiver to the elderly.
In addition:
- As many as 28 percent of nursing home residents develop bedsores, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- Falls are the most common cause of injuries among seniors in the United States, according to the National Council on Aging. According to the CDC, falls account for 95 percent of hip fractures in the elderly and can also cause traumatic brain injuries. Older people typically take longer to recover from concussions, according to the Brain Injury Association of America.
- Infections kill nearly 400,000 people who live in nursing homes every year, according to the CDC.
The Rights of Indiana Nursing Home Residents
Both state and federal regulations afford nursing home residents many rights. Any abuse or neglect is a clear violation of these rights.
Under Indiana laws, nursing home residents have the following rights in addition to others:
Financial freedom:
Residents can manage their own financial affairs.
Personal property rights:
Residents can keep, use, or wear their personal property.
Right to privacy:
Residents should receive respect and privacy. Residents are allowed private communication concerning mail, telephone calls, or in-person visits.
Freedom from restraint:
Residents should be free from unnecessary chemical and physical restraints. (Residents should not be given unnecessary drugs, excessive doses, medicated for an excessive duration, or given medication without adequate monitoring.
If a nursing home fails to respect or honor your loved one’s rights and safety, you might have a strong legal claim for abuse or neglect. Our Hammond nursing home lawyers can review the facts and determine your next steps to protect your loved one, ensure we uphold their rights, and seek compensation for the damage done.
The Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 17 percent of individuals aged 60 and older suffered some type of abuse in community settings over the past year. Institutions like nursing homes and long-term care facilities have high rates of nursing home abuse, with two of three staff reporting that they have committed abuse in the past year. The incidence of elder abuse has also increased since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sadly, elder abuse can lead to a range of severe physical injuries as well as long-term psychological consequences. In some cases, the injuries that result can even be fatal. If you have a loved one in a nursing home, you must be aware of and on the lookout for the signs of nursing home abuse. Suppose you suspect that your family member was a victim. In that case, you can explore your rights with an experienced Hammond nursing home abuse.
You may have many concerns if you have a loved one in a nursing home. You might worry that they will suffer some form of abuse. Or you might suspect abuse but aren’t sure what the signs are or what to do. Specific physical injuries and other signs can help you determine if your loved one is the victim of nursing home abuse.
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse is commonly what most people think of when they hear elder or nursing home abuse. However, the signs of physical abuse are often much more apparent than other types of elder abuse in the nursing home setting.
Signs of nursing home physical abuse can include:
- Bruises, welts, cuts, rug burns, and scrapes: Typically from being restrained, grabbed, or having an object used against or on them. Pay close attention to the wrists, ankles, and upper arms. These areas are easy to grab onto and restrain an elderly nursing home resident.
- Numerous broken bones: Potentially from being restrained, pushed, dropped, or physically battered. Although older adults can fracture their hips, wrists, and elbows from accidental falls, experienced doctors and other medical professionals can identify the difference between fractures caused by falls and those caused by an assault. For example, some are spiraling fractures instead of breaking straight across.
- Broken property: Such as broken eyeglasses from being abused or struck across the face. Dentures can also become broken for the same reasons.
- Being scared or startled easily: If a resident has suffered physical assault, they might constantly be hyper-alert to protect themselves. As such, they may seem jumpy or easily startled by sudden movements or loud noises.
- Socially withdrawing: Often, if elderly individuals experience physical abuse, particularly those with cognitive decline, they might withdraw from others out of fear. For example, sudden changes in behavior, including withdrawal from social settings, can be a sign of physical abuse or fear of the same.
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse can happen to any nursing home resident, regardless of gender, age, or background.
Signs of sexual abuse include:
- Underwear that is stained or torn
- A new onset diagnosis of venereal diseases and infections
- Bruises around or on the breasts and genitals
- Vaginal or anal bleeding
- Social withdrawal, self-isolation, and outbursts of anger
Emotional Abuse
The symptoms of emotional abuse in the elderly can be harder to detect. Still, protecting your loved one against this abuse is just as crucial as any other type.
Signs of emotional elder abuse include:
- Refusal to take medication: If the resident begins to refuse to take medication, it might be a response to abuse.
- Drastic behavioral changes: Emotional abuse can also trigger elderly individuals to withdraw from social activities. Individuals who face emotional abuse tend to avoid social situations out of stress and low self-esteem.
- New onset of repetitive behaviors: If a resident exhibits repetitive actions such as rocking back and forth, sucking a thumb, or mumbling to oneself, they are showing a common sign of emotional abuse.
- Being scared or afraid of being left alone: Emotional abuse may cause some nursing home residents to fear being alone because they feel like they might hurt themselves or die. If the elderly individual is averse to being alone with one specific caretaker, it can also indicate a red flag.
Financial Abuse
Nursing home residents are, unfortunately, at high risk for financial abuse.
Signs of financial abuse include:
- Inability to remember some expenses
- Receiving bills for unexpected expenses, such as additional medical or care costs
- Unexplained spending
- Donating to charitable unknown or unregistered causes
- Signing up for subscriptions or programs that require recurring monthly payments
- Suddenly begins hoarding papers and becoming secretive
- They report that their credit cards, checkbook, cash, or personal documents are missing
Don’t waste time if you notice any of these signs of nursing home abuse or others that are concerning. The longer you wait, the longer your loved one will be in danger, with their health and well-being at risk. Contact local law enforcement, report it to the nursing home, and seek legal counsel. Nursing home abuse is never acceptable, no matter how overworked or understaffed a long-term care home is. It takes people like you to stand up and speak out when they see something suspicious to stop the cycle of abuse.
Hammond Nursing Home Abuse FAQs
If you notice any of these physical injuries or any other signs of abuse, act promptly and:
- In cases of emergency, always call 911 first
- Reach out to a local long-term care ombudsmen
- Seek advice from a doctor familiar with your family member
- Call a Hammond nursing home abuse attorney
- File a complaint with the nursing home
If you suspect a nursing home or long-term care facility abused or neglected your loved, don’t wait to take action. The longer you wait, the more they will risk facing serious injuries or even death. Don’t hesitate to call 911, remove them from the situation, and provide them with any medical care they require.
A bedsore develops when there is pressure on one area of the skin frequently or for an extended period.
These wounds most frequently develop on bony areas of the body, such as the:
- Heels
- Tailbone
- Ankles
- Hips
- Shoulder blades
- Spine
- Back or side of the head
- Behind the knees
Bedsores can develop when pressure against the skin stops or limits blood flow to a specific area. The skin and underlying tissues rely on oxygen and nutrients delivered through the blood. When not receiving oxygen and nutrients, skin and other nearby tissues are at risk for damage to may begin to die. Bedsores commonly happen when disabled or immobile nursing home residents don’t receive the care they need and deserve.
You Can Rely on a Compassionate Hammond Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
If you suspect that someone you love is the victim of nursing home abuse, pay careful attention to any physical or other signs of abuse. If you find something that further confirms your suspicions, it’s time to act. Reach out to the skilled Hammond nursing home abuse attorneys at Midwest Injury Lawyers. Reach out to a Hammond personal injury lawyer.
Our compassionate attorneys know how concerning it can be to be in your position. We will carefully handle your claim from beginning to end. Whether you have suspicions or have already moved your loved one due to injuries, we can help.
Contact us today to schedule your free nursing home abuse case consultation. You can reach us by phone at (219) 200-0151 or online.
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Midwest Injury Lawyers – Hammond Office
2901 Carlson Drive Suite 363,
Hammond, IN 46323
Phone: (219) 200-0151
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