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Elder Abuse and Neglect
In 2014, there were approximately 1.4 million nursing home residents and an additional 835,200 residents in residential care communities in the United States, and these figures keep growing. Unfortunately, many people suffer from severe neglect and abuse while in these facilities each year. Nursing home neglect and abuse can come in many forms.
Perpetrators of elder neglect include nursing homes, assisted living centers, or other care facility staff members. Here are a few examples of elder abuse and neglect:
- Physical, sexual, or emotional abuse
- Coercion
- Poor medical care
- Theft or financial exploitation
- Malnutrition
- Confinement
- Passive neglect
- Defective equipment
- Willful deprivation
- Lack of supervision
Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), there are certain signs of elder abuse and neglect to keep an eye out for. If your loved one is showing any of these signs, it may be time to report the incident. Signs of elder abuse and neglect include:
- Physical signs: bruises, broken bones, burns
- Emotional signs: withdrawal from normal activities, unusual depression, frequent arguments with caregiver
- Neglect signs: bedsores, lack of medical treatment, poor hygiene
- Financial signs: Sudden change in financial situations (a sign of financial abuse)
Abused elders are at a 300 percent higher risk of death compared to those who have not been abused. It is important to recognize elder abuse and neglect early to prevent further tragedies from occurring.
Injuries may include:
- Bedsores (also known as pressure sores or ulcers)
- Dehydration
- Malnutrition
- Physical abuse injuries
- Restraint injuries or falls
- Fractures
- Wrongful death
Contact an Experienced Nursing Home Abuse Attorney
If you suspect that a loved one has been the victim of elder abuse or neglect at a nursing home, contact the nursing home attorneys at Thomas J. Henry Law immediately. It can often be difficult to prove a nursing home’s negligence in the case of abuse or neglect. That’s why it is important to hire a personal injury law firm with experienced nursing home abuse and neglect lawyers that have the financial resources necessary to properly develop your case. Thomas J. Henry Law has helped victims achieve the compensation they deserve for more than two decades.
Our nursing home negligence lawyers will fight on your family’s behalf, ensure you receive excellent and dynamic representation and bring the nursing home and their staff to justice. Contact us today for a nursing home neglect case review, free of charge. Our firm has offices in Corpus Christi, San Antonio, Austin, Houston, and Dallas, serving clients across Texas and nationwide.