Almost nothing is more frustrating for family and friends than watching a loved one suffer at the hands of careless caregivers when they should be enjoying their golden years. Nursing homes are supposed to be places of care and sanctuary, not communities where abuse and neglect harm the health and safety of a family member.
Buckeye’s climate makes it an ideal location for snowbirds and older residents looking to retire, and our area has an abundance of nursing home and long-term care facilities. At Gill Law Firm, our Buckeye nursing home abuse attorneys are prepared to advocate for you and your loved ones, holding careless facilities and caregivers accountable for mistreating vulnerable residents.
If you believe a family member is suffering abuse or mistreatment in a nursing home or long-term care facility, contact our office today for help.
How Can a Buckeye Nursing Home Lawyer Help?
One of the most common problems that family members face in a nursing home abuse and neglect case is proving that their loved one is suffering at the hands of negligent caregivers. Sometimes families say they feel gaslighted by staff or made to feel crazy for thinking that anything could be wrong with their family member. Often, residents with cognitive and physical impairments don’t have the capacity to share with loved ones what they are experiencing, or they feel bullied into remaining silent.
A Buckeye nursing home lawyer can help by thoroughly investigating your situation and gathering and preserving evidence to support your case. The experienced team at Gill Law Firm has the resources and local experience to dig into abuse and neglect allegations while navigating complex state and federal laws. We’ll also take the time to offer emotional support to you and your loved one during this challenging ordeal. We’ll work with you to:
- Obtain medical records and witness statements
- Identify all potentially liable parties
- Negotiate with insurance companies for maximum compensation
- File a lawsuit when necessary
We know nothing is more important than the health and happiness of your family. We offer strategic legal representation to help you and your family pursue justice for the harm done to your vulnerable family member.
Types of Nursing Home Abuse
“Nursing home abuse” is an umbrella phrase that encompasses different forms of abuse and neglect that can occur in a nursing home facility. Common types of nursing home abuse include:
- Physical Abuse – Unfortunately, physical abuse is all too common in nursing homes and involves any form of bodily harm inflicted on a resident. Examples of physical abuse can include hitting, pushing, kicking, slapping, or improper use of restraints.
- Emotional Abuse – Emotional abuse may not leave bruises, but it can deeply scar vulnerable residents. Psychological abuse involves verbal threats, humiliation, intimidation, or isolation. Residents often experience fear, anxiety, depression, and changes in mood due to the constant barrage of intentional insults and putdowns.
- Financial Abuse – Another form of abuse that can be challenging to identify immediately is financial exploitation. Elderly residents are vulnerable to scams, Ponzi schemes, and identity theft. In some cases, financial abuse also involves unauthorized bank withdrawals, changes to wills, or theft of money or personal items from their rooms.
- Sexual Abuse – Sexual abuse involves any non-consensual sexual contact or activity. It is especially common in residents with cognitive conditions. Rape, non-consensual touching or fondling, and forced nudity are forms of sexual abuse.
Nursing home neglect is also a form of abuse. Neglect is the systematic failure of staff or caregivers to meet the basic needs of residents, such as medical care, food, water, and hygiene.
Recognizing the Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
Family members and friends play a crucial role as advocates for nursing home residents. Noticing the signs and symptoms of abuse as soon as possible means you can get your loved one the help they need to start the healing process and move on to a better situation. Common signs that may indicate abuse or neglect can include:
- Unexplained injuries
- Bedsores
- Malnutrition/dehydration
- Changes in mood or behavior
- Unexplained financial changes
- Poor hygiene, such as unwashed body or hair, dirty clothing, and unwashed linens
If you suspect abuse or neglect, talk to a Buckeye nursing home attorney to learn more about your rights. An attorney can put you in touch with valuable resources to help you manage this stressful situation.
Compensation for Nursing Home Abuse Victims
Money cannot compensate for the suffering your loved one has faced, but it can help provide financial stability and a means to access the care they deserve. While the value of a case can vary depending on the circumstances, victims and their families can generally seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses related to the abuse or neglect
- Costs of relocating to a safer facility
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
In rare cases, punitive damages may be awarded for extreme misconduct.
A Compassionate Buckeye Nursing Home Attorney Wants to Help
The legal team at Gill Law Firm is committed to helping you and your family move forward from this devastating event. Your loved one deserves quality medical care in a loving and compassionate environment. If you suspect abuse or neglect, do not wait to take action. Share your concerns with our legal team, and let’s work together to secure the compensation and justice your family member deserves.
Contact our office today for a confidential case evaluation.
FAQs
How long do I have to file a nursing home abuse claim in Arizona?
Arizona law gives victims of nursing home abuse two years from the date the abuse or neglect occurred or was discovered to file a lawsuit.
Do I need to prove intent to win a nursing home abuse case?
In most situations, you do not need proof that the abuse was malicious to recover compensation in a nursing home abuse case. Victims do need to prove that the nursing home violated their duty of care and that the violation directly resulted in injuries and harm to the resident.
Can I file a claim if the victim has passed away?
Family members who have tragically lost their loved one to nursing home abuse or neglect may pursue a wrongful death lawsuit. This action involves proving that negligence on the part of the nursing home contributed to the death of a family member.