Nursing Home Abuse LawyerBonne Terre, MO
Fighting Negligence and Abuse in Nursing Homes
Trusting the Nursing Home or Senior Care Facility that cares for your loved one should never be a question. Your loved one was abused by the nursing home that your family trusted to care for their health, and they need to be held accountable for their horrible act. You need a Personal Injury Lawyer in Bonne Terre that has experience fighting Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuits. Our Personal Injury Law Firm in Bonne Terre takes nursing home abuse and negligence extremely seriously, and we hold these institutions responsible for the damages and injuries that they caused to the families that trusted them. We have the experience that your family needs to fight this Nursing Home Abuse lawsuit, and we will make sure that your family and your loved one get the full recovery they deserve and are owed. Our consultations are free, and we don't charge any fees unless we win your family's nursing home abuse claim. Call or contact our Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers in Bonne Terre now.
How can I tell if my loved one is being abused in a nursing home?
Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Bonne Terre
There are several signs that point to either abuse or neglect in a nursing home or long-term care facility. Does your family member look emaciated? They may not be eating, or their caregiver might not be feeding them. Have they develop sores on their underside, or have agitated red skin? They need to be moved to prevent these sores, and their caregiver isn't giving them the attention they need. Does your loved one looked scared or hesitant to talk around certain staff members? The staff may be abusing them. Listed below are sings to look out for when you think your loved one is being abused or neglected.
1. Nursing Home Abuse Malnourishment
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This is one of the more visibly apparent forms of nursing home abuse. If their skin is sunken, and they look tired and lethargic, or they appear emaciated, they may not be getting the food or nutrition they need. You're paying for your loved one to get the care and food that they need, regardless of any difficulties your family member may present. Negligence and abuse are never ok, and you can sue the nursing home in court. What are other clear signs of possible malnourishment? Our Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers in Bonne Terre have identified these conditions as possible signs of malnourishment:
- Skin Issues - Yellowed and wrinkled skin are a sign of malnourishment, as well as visually dull skin on darker complexions. An aditional warning is that the skin under the fingernails will take on a pale hue.
- Mouth Sores or Discoloration - Sores inside the mouth or the face as well as red skin indicate malnutrition. Yeast infections or thrush infections are also a sign, and cause white patches to develop on the cheeks and tonuge.
- Eye Issues - Poor or worsening vision, extremely red eyes, and swollen corneas are clear signs of malnourishment.
- Muscular Problems - If they are overly tired, and their muscles appear weak or flaccid, this is a sign of malnourishment.
Here is a short video detailing Nursing Home Abuse Malnourishment, and how our Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers can help.
2. Nursing Home Abuse Bed Sores
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Bed sores are an ailment that arises from individuals who are immobile, causing wounds that can eat down to the bone. They develop as sores and ulcers and can quickly become life threatening. If your loved one developed bed sores while in the care of a nursing home or assisted living facility, it's a clear sign of neglect and lack of care. Bed Sores are even common in intensive care units. Bed sores are preventable, and they are treatable. Here are the different stages of bed sores our nursing home abuse lawyers in Bonne Terre have identified that can show your loved one may have bed sores:
- Stage 1. Bed Sore - Skin that is itchy, red, and unusually warm.
- Stage 2. Bed Sore - Sores or blisters are now appearing on the skin.
- Stage 3. Bed Sore - The sore or blister is now at a more dangerous stage, and is causing a wide cavity to open in the flesh.
- Stage 4. Bed Sore - Bones, muscles and ligaments are visible at this stage, and infection is nearly guaranteed.
Remember, bed sores, or the other name they are known by, pressure sores, are preventable. If your loved one's care provider was giving them the care and attention they deserve, then your loved one would not have developed blood sores. You can sue for bed sores, and you absolutely should. There is no excuse for their negligence, and you shouldn't accept whatever excuse they offer you. They had their chance. Call our Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers in Bonne Terre now. We'll make sure your loved one gets the care and recovery they deserve.
Here is a short video about Bed Sores and what you can do about them.
3. Nursing Home Abuse or Mistreatment
Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Bonne Terre
Abuse can be hard to spot, especially when your loved one may not be willing to admit or not able to admit that they are being abused. Nursing home abuse does happen, and it's never easy to hear that the assisted living home you trusted abused your loved one. You should never accept any excuses they give you, and you may even be able to call the authorities. Here are several signs to look for when you suspect your loved one is being abused or neglected:
- Financial Exploitation - You may not notice this until serious damage has already been done. {Higher than normal credit card bills, missing checks, or Wills that have been recently altered could be clear signs of financial exploitation of your loved one|If their credit cards are maxed out, if they are missing checks, or their will has been altered and you weren't alerted, this is a clear sign of exploitation|If their checks have gone missing, if their credit cards are being declined, and if any of their other finances appear to out of order, these can be signs of exploitation|The signs for this type of abuse will be altered wills, mysterious power of attorney forms, maxed out credit cards, and missing checks.
- Neglect - The signs for this type of abuse are a lack of bathing, eating, unsanitary room conditions, or even bed sores. Neglect from a caregiver can also lead to self neglect.
- Physical Abuse - You can see this abuse by the physical marks that are left on your family member, such as cuts, bruises, scratches, lost hair, etc. Along with a lawsuit, you can call the cops for any sign of physical abuse. Even after the police have made their report, you can still sue the nursing home or assisted living facility. Our Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers in Bonne Terre will fight for the recovery and rights of your loved one.
- Psychological Abuse - Psychgological abuse is when a care provider verbally abuses your loved one, and causes your loved one to act nervous around them, or hesitant to speak. Psychological abuse is as terrible as any physical abuse.
Here is a short video our Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers in Bonne Terre have prepared:
Are there any laws governing nursing home care?
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The Nursing Home Reform Act details the rights that nursing home residents have. These laws are enforceable by law, and must be followed. According to the Nursing Home Reform Act, here is a quick breakdown of the rights your loved one can expect:
- Freedom from Abuse
- Freedom from Restraints
- The Right to Privacy
- The Right to Accommodation of social needs, psychological needs, physical needs, and medical needs
- The Right to Participate in Resident and Family Groups
- The Right to be treated with dignity
- The Right to exercise self-determination
- The Right to communicate freely
- The Right to review and participate in any aspect of the care they are receiving and any changes to it
- The Right to voice grievances
Your loved one has rights, by law, and if they've been violated you can pursue legal action against the Nursing Home or Assisted Living Facility that was entrusted with their care. Our Personal Injury Lawyers in Bonne Terre are well versed in the laws the govern nursing homes and the levels of care that residents are entitled to. We can help you and your family if you decide to pursue a claim against the assisted living facility. You have options, and those who harmed your family can be held accountable. Call or Contact Our Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers in Bonne Terre now to protect your family.