Lexington Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
When elderly people choose to reside in a nursing home–or when a loved one makes such a decision on an elderly person’s behalf–it is because it is assumed that the elderly person will receive a higher level of care than they would otherwise. Indeed, nursing homes are often viewed as a last-resort option for those who truly need around-the-clock care and support.
But while you may expect a nursing home to be a place where care is of the highest quality, this isn’t always the case. In fact, it is estimated that about 10 percent of elderly persons are victims of elder abuse. This number could be much greater, as not all incidents of abuse are reported.
At The Stanley Law Group, our lawyers are here to offer support and guidance if you suspect nursing home abuse or if a loved one is the victim of nursing home abuse. Call our Lexington nursing home abuse lawyers today to learn more.
What Is Nursing Home Abuse?
There are four recognized types of nursing home/elder abuse. These include:
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Physical abuse. Physical abuse is usually the easiest to detect, and involves hitting, kicking, pinching, biting, or otherwise using physical force to threaten, intimidate, punish, or control a nursing home resident. Another type of physical abuse includes using medication to wrongfully sedate a resident.
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Emotional/psychological abuse. Elderly persons need care, companionship, and social contact in order to thrive. When these things are denied, emotional and psychological abuse may be occurring. Teasing a resident, harassing them, refusing to let them participate in social events, or denying them companionship are all examples of emotional abuse.
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Sexual abuse. Sexual abuse refers to any unwanted sexual touching between a resident and a staff member. Sexual abuse is not only unethical and harmful, but may be illegal, too.
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Financial abuse. A nursing home staff member may exploit a resident financially by convincing them to change bank account information, withdraw large sums of money, make changes to their will, etc.
In addition to abuse, neglect is also a pervasive problem in nursing homes. A more passive form of abuse, neglect occurs when the resident does not receive the level of care they deserve.
Injuries and Harm from Nursing Home Abuse
When a resident is a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, they could suffer injuries and harm that they otherwise would not. An overall deterioration in condition, a physical injury (such as a head or bone fracture injury caused by a fall due to neglect), depression and other psychological conditions, and more could all lead to early death of the resident or health complications that require medical treatment.
Bringing Forth a Nursing Home Abuse Claim
Nursing homes have a duty to provide a high level of care – this includes properly training staff, ensuring that there is an adequate staff-to-patient ratio, properly monitoring staff, and ensuring that abuse and neglect do not occur. If a patient is a victim of abuse or neglect and they suffer harm as a result, criminal as well as civil charges may be appropriate. Our Lexington, South Carolina nursing home abuse attorneys can help you to file a civil action against a nursing home to recover damages for harm.
Call Us Today
For a free consultation with our Lexington nursing home abuse lawyers, please call The Stanley Law Group directly. It’s important that you act quickly to protect your loved one and your right to file a claim.
