Nursing Home Abuse
The record says that every year millions of elders in the country become the victim of elder abuse by their relatives, friends, caregivers, nursing homes, and scam artists while even less than 20% of these cases get reported. If you or your loved ones are being subjected to such a heinous crime, then come to our Pittsburgh nursing home abuse lawyer.
Elder AbuseElder abuse is the knowing, deliberate and intentional abuse or negligence of elderly people or putting them in a position of serious risks by the caregivers or anyone responsible to take care of the elderly. When an elderly person is admitted to a nursing home, assisted living, or elderly care facility, they also become the legally responsible caretaker of the elderly.
The cases of negligence and abuse are all too common and they become painful revelation when it is found out that a loved one has been abusing the elderly at their vulnerable state. This kind of abuse can be physical, financial, and mental. The following signs make it clear to spot an abuser for elderly people:
- The caregiver for the elderly is known for changing the social or health care providers every now and also refusing to apply for any aid from the outside or professional services for seniors
- The caregiver is isolating the elderly from the relative, friends, community and the outside world
- Abnormally pale complexion of the elderly
- Sudden changes in finances or will
- Not providing food, water, ventilation or heat
- Absence of eyeglasses, dentures, hearing aids, walkers or wheelchair
- Bedsores, rashes or infection along with soiled bandages
- Bruises that will indicate that the person was restrained
- Confusion and disorientation causing by malnutrition
- Dehydration, dry skin with fragile appearance, apathy, dry and sore mouth, confusion or bereft of energy
- Crying or being depressed
- Excessive weight loss
- Fear for the caregiver
- Improper clothing for the weather
- Open cuts, would and injuries
- Poor personal hygiene and unattended health issues
- Overcharged for availed services or products
- Medical mismanagements including the absence of medicine, outdated prescriptions and empty bottles
- Theft of money or property
- Torn clothing and unexplained broken personal items
- Unusual activity in the bank account or property
- Unexpected withdrawal
A family member, guardian or loved one who is suspecting that the vulnerable elderly is being a victim can file the case of the nursing home or elderly abuse. Victims might not be able or willing to report the crime. Hence, others need to do it. More often than not this case can get dissolved outside the court. However, in some cases a trial becomes necessary.
The nursing home, elder care facility, the owner or proprietor of the business that offers care and the suspected abuser can be sued for the case. While filing for this case, you need to do it within a stipulated time that can be determined by the following factors:
- If the abuse caused an injury or death
- The type of injury sustained
- If the abusers is an individual or a company or even a government entity
- When you as the case filer become aware of the injury or incident
You need to get in touch with an experienced Pittsburgh nursing home abuse lawyer immediately for getting the most favorable outcome.
Logue Law Group has handled various past cases of elderly or nursing home abuse where they could get a favorable outcome. Connect with our Pittsburgh nursing home abuse lawyer right away.