Despite being entrusted with caring for our elderly loved ones, nursing homes across Columbia are often guilty of neglect and abuse. In some cases, nursing home staff may be willfully abusive, while in others, they may be negligent in their duties. No matter the form of abuse, it can be devastating for the victim and their loved ones.
If you believe your loved one is being abused in a nursing home in Columbia, it is vital to take legal action immediately. Our Columbia nursing home abuse attorneys at Peterson & Associates, P.C. can help you get the justice and compensation your loved one deserves. Contact our Columbia nursing home abuse attorneys to get the compensation and justice you deserve today.
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Common Forms of Nursing Home Abuse in Columbia
Nursing homes are meant to provide a safe and comfortable environment for seniors who can no longer live on their own. However, some nursing home residents are subjected to abuse and neglect.
If you have a loved one who is currently or considering placement in a nursing home, it’s important to be aware of the common forms of nursing home abuse so that you can protect your loved one from harm. Some of the common forms of abuse in nursing homes:
Emotional Abuse
Nursing home abuse can take many forms, but one of the most common is emotional abuse. This type of abuse can be hard to identify, as it doesn’t leave any physical marks. Emotional abuse can involve screaming, yelling, verbal threats, intimidation, and humiliation. It can also involve isolating seniors from their friends and family or denying them access to necessary medical care. Emotional abuse can be very damaging to seniors and can cause lasting psychological damage. If you believe your loved one is being emotionally abused in a nursing home, don’t hesitate to speak up and get the legal help.
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse can occur in many ways, but some of the most common signs are unexplained bruising, welts or scars, broken bones, and reports of being hit, kicked, punched, bitten, or slapped. If you suspect that your loved one is being abused in a nursing home, it is essential to speak up and get help. Remember, you are not alone. There are people who can help you navigate this difficult situation and get your loved one the care they need.
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse is one of the common forms of nursing home abuse, and it can take many different forms. Some of the most common are forced nudity, voyeurism, and sexual assault. Victims can also be coerced into sexual activities or be subjected to degrading comments and behavior. This type of abuse can be extremely damaging to victims and can leave them feeling humiliated, violated, and alone.
Neglect
This happens when a nursing home fails to provide the necessary care and attention to its patients, which can result in serious health complications or even death. Some common signs of neglect include dehydration, malnutrition, untreated bed sores, and failure to provide basic hygiene needs. If you suspect that your loved one is being neglected in a nursing home, it’s important to speak up and seek help. Many resources are available to help victims of nursing home abuse, so don’t hesitate to reach out for help.
Financial Abuse
Nursing home abuse doesn’t always have to be physical. Financial abuse is a common form of abuse that happens in nursing homes, and it can be just as damaging as any other type. Financial abuse can include taking money or possessions from a resident, refusing to give them necessary care or services because they cost too much, or pressuring them into signing documents they don’t understand. It’s essential to be aware of the signs of financial abuse, which can include sudden changes in bank account balances, unpaid bills, or missing property.
Psychological Abuse
One type of nursing home abuse that is often overlooked is psychological abuse. This type of abuse can take many different forms, such as verbal insults, intimidation, or humiliation. It can also involve controlling the victim’s access to friends or family members or preventing them from going outside or participating in activities they enjoy. Psychological abuse can be incredibly damaging to the victim and can often lead to long-term mental health issues.
Forced Internment
This happens when a nursing home staff member forcibly locks a patient in a room or secludes them in an area against their will. This can cause immense mental trauma to the victim and can even lead to death in some cases. Nursing home staff often use forced internment as a form of punishment or retaliation, and it can be challenging for the victim to escape. If you or someone you know is being forcibly interned in a nursing home, make sure to contact an attorney immediately.
If you or a loved one has experienced any form of nursing home abuse, you may have legal options available to you. Contact a Columbia nursing home abuse lawyer to discuss your legal options now.
Common Types of Nursing Home Injuries
Nursing homes are meant to provide a safe and comfortable place for elderly residents, but sometimes, nursing home staff members or other residents can cause injuries. Some of the common injuries that occur in nursing homes in Columbia include:
Bruises
Bruises are one of the most common injuries that occur as a result of nursing home abuse. Bruises occur when blood vessels underneath the skin are broken. This can happen for many reasons, including impact or pressure from another object or a blow to the body. Bruises often start as a reddish color but gradually fade to a yellow, green, or brown color as they heal. They can be accompanied by swelling, pain, and stiffness.
Infections
Nursing homes are notorious for spreading infections. A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that nursing home residents are ten times more likely to develop a urinary tract infection than those who live in the community. Other common infections include respiratory infections, skin infections, food poisoning, staph infections, and sepsis.
Spinal Injuries
Nursing home residents are prone to spinal injuries. Many times, these injuries occur when nursing home staff members try to move patients who are non-compliant or resistive. Some common signs of a spinal injury include neck pain, back pain, difficulty breathing, and tingling or numbness in the extremities. Spinal injuries can be extremely serious and can often lead to permanent disability or even death.
Bedsores
One common injury that often occurs in nursing homes in Columbia is bedsores. Bedsores are injuries that typically form on the skin due to extended pressure and contact. They can be incredibly painful and often require extensive medical treatment. If you have a loved one who is residing in a nursing home, be sure to keep a close eye on their skin for any signs of bedsores. Report any concerns you have to the staff immediately.
Broken Bones
Nursing home residents are at high risk for broken bones, as they often fall or are pushed by staff. Broken bones can be incredibly painful and often require surgery and rehabilitation. If you suspect that your loved one has suffered a broken bone due to nursing home abuse, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us for legal assistance.
No one expects to be injured while living in a nursing home, but it does happen. Unfortunately, many of these injuries are caused by nursing home abuse or neglect. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury while living in a nursing home, you must speak with an experienced Columbia nursing home abuse attorney immediately. A lawyer can help you file a claim and seek the compensation you deserve.
Compensation Available to Victims of Nursing Home Abuse
Nursing home abuse is a severe problem in Columbia. If you or a loved one has suffered abuse at the hands of nursing home staff in Columbia, you may be able to file a nursing home abuse claim. Some of the damages you can recover in a nursing home abuse claim include:
Economic Damages
Nursing home abuse can cause significant economic damage to victims. Economic damages are those that can be quantified in terms of money. Some of the most common economic damages that victims of nursing home abuse can recover include:
- Medical bills
- Future medical expenses
- Lost income
- Property damage
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are not as easily quantified as non-economic damages. Non-economic damages can be extremely important in a nursing home abuse case as they can help to compensate the victim for the lasting harm that has been done to them. These include compensation for:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of companionship
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are a type of damages that are awarded to punish the defendant for particularly egregious or malicious behavior. This type of damage is not available in every nursing home abuse claim, but it can be an important factor in maximizing the compensation that you receive.
If you successfully obtain punitive damages, your case will send a clear message to the nursing home and other long-term care facilities that this abuse will not be tolerated. This can help to protect other residents from being abused and can also help to ensure that proper safety measures are in place to prevent abuse from happening in the future.
A Columbia nursing home abuse lawyer can help you file a claim in order to receive compensation for the damages you suffered. These damages can be significant. It is important to understand the damages you can recover if you have been a victim of nursing home abuse. Contact an experienced Columbia nursing home abuse lawyer today to discuss your case and learn more about the damages you may be able to recover.
How Do You Prove Nursing Home Abuse?
Nursing home abuse can take many different forms, including physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and financial exploitation. It can also include neglect, which is when a nursing home fails to provide the necessary care for its residents.
To prove nursing home abuse or negligence, you will need to provide evidence of the elder abuse or negligence. This can include photographic or video evidence, witness statements, and medical and financial records. If you can provide this evidence, you may be able to recover damages for your pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost wages, and more.
Why Do You Need a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer?
If you or a loved one has been a victim of nursing home negligence, it is essential to seek legal help immediately. You may be able to entitled to compensation. Some of the damages you may be able to recover in a nursing home abuse claim include physical and emotional injuries, pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost wages, and more.
It is important to note that the damages you can recover vary based on the unique circumstances of your case. That’s why it’s crucial to have an experienced attorney on your side who can help you understand your rights and guide you through the process. Contact our skilled nursing home abuse attorneys for a free case evaluation now.
Contact Our Experienced Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers Now
Nursing home abuse can take many forms, from physical and sexual abuse to emotional abuse and neglect. No one should have to suffer at the hands of those who are supposed to be caring for them, which is why victims of nursing home abuse deserve compensation for the pain and suffering they have endured.
If you or a loved one has been a victim of nursing home abuse, The attorneys at Peterson & Associates, P.C., have years of experience helping victims recover the damages they deserve. Contact our Columbia nursing home abuse lawyers by calling 816-888-8888 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case today.