There are certain signs of physical and emotional abuse you can recognize and these are the legal steps you can take to protect the safety and interest of a loved one.
Choosing the right nursing home can certainly help you minimize the risk of neglect and abuse, but instances still occur even in the best of facilities. Being able to quickly recognize the signs of abuse and neglect will allow you to act promptly and protect loved ones from unnecessary suffering. Here are the signs you should look out for.
Mood Changes
Sudden and dramatic changes in mood can be the first sign that things are not right, even if you don’t see any signs of visible abuse. Depression or feeling frightened and withdrawn can all be a result of physical or emotional abuse. While it may be easy to ascribe such behavioral changes to other factors, they should never be ignored or disregarded as they might point to physical abuse or neglect.
Visible Injuries
Visible injuries usually point to physical violence or neglect. Some of the tell tail signs that a loved one is suffering from visible injuries can include:
- Weight loss
- Bed sores
- Unexplained bruising
- Sprains or broken bones
- Repeated injuries
Any of these signs should be especially concerning is a senior is unwilling to offer an explanation as to what happened or does not want to seek medical treatment. Senior abuse victims are often afraid they will suffer more harm if they share what they are experiencing.
Unsanitary Conditions
A change in room conditions, living spaces and common areas can also be a warning sign that the quality of care being offered is decreasing. Disorganization and clutter is one thing, but foul smells, old food and other unsanitary conditions can be one of the first warning signs that your loved ones are at risk.
Legal Protection
In extreme cases of physical, emotional and even sexual abuse can be prosecuted under criminal law. However, other instances of abuse, neglect and negligence can be brought before the court as civil cases. Common examples of nursing home negligence may include:
- Failure to keep premises reasonably safe
- Incorrect administration of medicine
- Negligent supervision of residents
- Negligent staffing
- Failure to provide adequate medical treatment
If you feel that a loved one may be the victim of elder abuse or nursing home neglect, it is important to act immediately and speak with an experienced nursing home abuse attorney such as the lawyers at Weinstein & Cohen.
A good Miami or Naples personal injury attorney will be able to file a lawsuit against the responsible parties in your case.
Our experienced nursing home and elder abuse attorneys at Weinstein & Cohen will put your priorities first. If you or someone you care about has been injured or involved in nursing home abuse across Florida, contact the nursing home lawyers and personal injury attorneys at Weinstein & Cohen at 239-793-3331 or 305-374-1011, or visit fairnessforall, for an absolutely free and confidential legal consultation to learn more about your options.
