Nursing home abuse isn’t always that evident, particularly if it happens to be mental or emotional abuse. However, there are some subtle signs that should put you on alert.
In some cases, a nursing home resident is able to speak for themselves if something very bad has happened, but in most instances, it is the family that will need to be the voice of the resident. In any suspected case of nursing home abuse, immediately contact an attorney who has a track record in this area of the law. Only a nursing home attorney with experience in this area will be able to handle these sensitive issues.
Aside from the major issues that have the potential to go wrong in a nursing home or long-term care center, there are the smaller, subtler things that make people wonder if they should even bother to call a lawyer. After all, what if they are just imagining things? If your instincts tell you something is wrong, chances are there is, and you need to go with those feelings and speak to a lawyer.
The whole point of contacting an attorney is to stop the abuse in its tracks, as many cases of nursing home abuse take place on a continuous basis. If you disregard your instincts your loved one may continue to suffer unnecessarily. So, pay attention to those subtle signs, most of which are usually physical. You need to be vigilant as residents are often frightened to report their caregivers for fear of reprisal.
Pay attention to things such as repeated falls, extensive or frequent bruising, cuts or infections that never seem to heal properly, a change in demeanor and a reluctance to participate in activities, etc. Once you begin to see a pattern, don’t wait to contact an attorney. Do it right away and also find out about your state’s statute of limitations.
Contacting an attorney now will get an investigation started and guarantee an extensive review of your loved one’s medical records. It takes a long time to successfully pursue this type of case, which is another reason why contacting a lawyer sooner rather than later makes the most sense.
The bottom line in all cases like this is to remember that the main party involved, your loved one, needs to be properly represented. Do not take anyone’s word for it that they will make things better, or things will change, or that it will never happen again. The world is full of people who make promises they don’t keep. Always seek legal help if you think your loved one is dealing with abuse in a nursing home or long-term care home.
Michael G. Smith is a Little Rock injury lawyer and Little Rock accident lawyer, practicing personal injury law in Little Rock Arkansas. To learn more about Little Rock injury lawyer, Little Rock accident lawyer, Little Rock person injury lawyer, Little Rock malpractice lawyer, Little Rock injury attorney, Little Rock wrongful death attorney, visit Arkansaslawhelp.com.
