When you put your elderly loved one in a nursing home, you expect that they will receive the best care possible. However, not all facilities are created equal and some staff members may neglect or even abuse patients. If you think that your loved one is the victim of abuse, it is important to act quickly. Abuse is a serious problem and can cause severe physical injury, emotional trauma, and even wrongful death. If you suspect abuse, it is important to get in touch with a New York nursing home abuse lawyer right away.
The most common type of abuse is physical. This can include slapping, punching, hitting, kicking, and even inappropriate restraints. You should look for unexplained bruising, broken bones, loss of hair or teeth, and other signs of physical abuse. It is also common for nurses to neglect a patient’s personal hygiene and health needs. This can lead to malnutrition, dehydration, infections, and other health issues. You should pay close attention to your loved one’s behavior and look for any changes in their well-being.
Another common type of Nursing home abuse lawyer advocating for seniors is financial exploitation. This can include stealing money or property from an elderly person, requiring a signed Power of Attorney, making illegal changes to a loved one’s will, or taking advantage of other forms of undue influence. Elderly people who are in nursing homes often have limited incomes, which makes them easy targets for exploitation.
Medical malpractice is a serious form of abuse and can have disastrous results for an elderly person. A physician may make a mistake in diagnosis or treatment, which can lead to further injuries, illness, and wrongful death. Physicians are expected to adhere to certain standards of care when treating a nursing home resident, and any deviation from this standard should be considered malpractice.
Nursing home abuse cases are complex and involve many parties. A skilled lawyer will be able to identify which parties may be held liable for your loved one’s suffering and hold them accountable for their actions. Typically, these claims are brought against the nursing home and its staff. In some instances, a lawsuit can be filed against the state regulatory agency for failing to properly inspect and regulate the facility.
A New York nursing home abuse lawyer can help your family obtain compensation for any past and future out-of-pocket expenses, including hospital and doctor bills, as well as compensatory damages for pain and suffering and emotional anguish. In addition, you may be entitled to punitive damages to punish the abusive or negligent nursing home or care provider. Many of these claims are settled out of court and without a trial. However, if the case does go to trial, a jury will decide on a final settlement amount for your loved one’s damages. The final payout will be based on the severity of your loved one’s injuries and the extent to which they were caused by the negligence or abuse. A skilled lawyer will work diligently to secure a high nursing home settlement for their client.