legal resources necessary to hold negligent facilities accountable.
Colorado Springs Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
Nursing home abuse is a real and growing problem. Our passionate and experienced attorneys at Nursing Home Law Center are here to help you if your elderly loved one has been a victim of abuse in their nursing home. Contact us to book a free case evaluation.
The National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) reports that 1 in 10 Americans aged 60 or older have been abused, neglected, or exploited by someone they depended on for care. It equates to more than 5 million seniors each year.
Nursing Home Law Center LLC is a nationally recognized law firm specializing exclusively in nursing home abuse and neglect cases. We have the experience and legal resources to get you the compensation you deserve.
Call us at (800) 926-7565 for a free consultation.
What Is Abuse in Nursing Homes?
Abuse in nursing homes is any action that results in harm or mistreatment to a nursing home resident. The national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines nursing home abuse as "any action or failure to act that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to a vulnerable adult."
Typically, the victim is an elderly person who cannot defend themselves or speak up for themselves. Sadly, nursing home abuse is not uncommon. In fact, according to the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA), as many as 1 in 6 seniors who reside in nursing homes are abused each year.
What Kinds of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Do Colorado Springs Homes Experience?
Nursing homes in Colorado Springs can be an excellent place for your elderly family member to live. The staff is usually caring and attentive, and the elderly residents often form close bonds with one another. Unfortunately, not all nursing homes are perfect. Although most employees do their best properly care, some engage in abusive or neglectful behavior.
There are many types of abuse and neglect in care homes.
Physical Abuse:
Physical abuse is any violence that causes harm to a care home resident. It can include hitting, slapping, shoving, kicking, or using restraints in a way that causes injury. Elderly fellow residents are especially vulnerable to physical abuse because they may be frail and unable to defend themselves.
Physical abuse can have serious consequences, including bruises, broken bones, internal bleeding, and death. In case you have any information or you are a victim of physical abuse in a care home, it is vital to contact an experienced Colorado Springs nursing home abuse lawyer as soon as possible.
Sexual Abuse:
Sexual abuse is any sexual contact forced upon nursing home patients without consent. It can include rape, groping, or sexual assault. It can also occur when residents are forced to watch or participate in sexual activities against their will.
Sexual abuse is a serious crime that can have a lasting impact on the victim. In addition to the physical and emotional trauma, abuse can also lead to sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies. It is a kind of elder abuse that needs to be reported immediately.
Emotional Abuse:
Any verbal or nonverbal behavior causes a care home resident emotional distress. It can include name-calling, threats, intimidation, and isolation.
Emotional abuse can be just as harmful as body abuse. Victims may suffer from anxiety, depression, fear, and sleep disorders. In severe cases, they may even attempt suicide. Psychological abuse is a severe problem in nursing homes, and it needs to be addressed immediately.
Neglect:
Nursing home neglect occurs when a care home staff fails to provide the residents with life necessities, such as food, water, shelter, and care facility.
Nursing home neglect can have serious consequences, including dehydration, malnutrition, bed sores, and infection. In some cases, it can even lead to death.
Abuse and neglect are serious problems in care homes. A neglect attorney from an experienced law firm can help you investigate the nursing home neglect, gather evidence, and file a claim against the responsible parties. Contacting a lawyer as soon as possible is essential because the more shortly you take action, the more likely your loved one will receive the compensation they deserve.
Financial Abuse:
Financial abuse occurs when a nursing home staff member unlawfully takes money or property from a resident. It can include stealing cash, checks, credit cards, or jewelry. It can also occur when staff members coerce residents into signing over the power of a nursing home abuse attorney or giving them access to their bank accounts.
Any type of nursing home abuse neglect is unacceptable. If you believe that your loved one has suffered abuse, contact an experienced Colorado Springs nursing home abuse lawyer as soon as possible. Suspect abuse or nursing home negligence? You can get the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to make a report.
Rights of Colorado Springs Nursing Home Residents
All Colorado nursing home residents have the right to be treated with dignity and respect. They have the right to be free from physical, sexual, and mental abuse. They also have the right to receive adequate food, water, shelter, and medical attention.
Under state and federal law, nursing homes must provide the elderly resident with a safe and clean environment. They must also have enough staff to provide adequate care. If a care home fails to meet these standards, they may be held liable for the injuries or death of a resident.
Inadequately trained staff, understaffing, and substandard conditions are too common in care homes. The nursing home staff member may not have the skills or knowledge necessary to provide proper care. They may also be working too many hours, leading to mistakes and negligence.
Nursing home residents have the right to:
- Be treated with dignity and respect
- Be free from physical, sexual, and emotional abuse
- Receive adequate food, water, shelter.
- A safe and clean environment
- Enough staff to provide adequate care
Understanding these rights is important because it can help you identify abuse or nursing home neglect. Getting advice from an experienced law firm is the best way to protect your loved one's rights. Call us immediately to book a free consultation.
Nursing Home Injuries
Nursing home injuries can occur for various reasons, but they are often the result of abuse or nursing home neglect. In some cases, the injuries are the result of a fall. Falls are common in nursing homes because residents are often weak.
They may also be taking medication that causes dizziness or unsteady on their feet. Nursing home staff members are supposed to help residents with walking and transfers. If they fail to do so, the resident may fall and suffer serious injuries.
Other common causes of care home injuries include:
- Bed sores
- Pressure sores
- Dehydration
- Malnutrition
- Infection
- Medication errors
- Falls
- Broken Bones
- Head Injuries
If your loved one has suffered abuse in a nursing home, they may be entitled to seek compensation. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you investigate the cause of the injuries and file a claim against the responsible parties.
Medical malpractice is also a common cause of care home injuries. Doctors and nurses are supposed to provide residents with high-quality care. If they fail to do so, they may be held liable for the damages or death of a resident. Medical malpractice can also occur when a resident is not properly monitored.
If you believe that your loved one has been injured due to abuse or neglect, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
Signs of Abuse and Neglect
There are many signs of abuse and neglect in nursing homes. If you notice any of these signs, it is vital to get legal help as soon as possible. Some common symptoms of abuse and neglect include:
- Bruises, cuts, or welts
- Broken bones
- Bodily injury
- Burns
- Dehydration
- Malnutrition
- Infections
- Unusual weight loss or gain
- Changes in mood or behavior
- Self Neglect
- Withdrawal from activities
- Unusual isolation
In such cases, elder care facilities may be violating their rights, and you want to get a lawyer to investigate. Nursing home abuse attorneys will be able to help you if your loved one is being abused or neglected in a nursing home.
Why Is There Abuse in Nursing Homes?
There are many reasons why abuse occurs in a colorado nursing home. In some cases, it is the result of understaffing. When there are not enough staff members, they may be overworked and stressed. It can lead to mistakes and negligence.
In other cases, the staff members may not have the proper training or skills to provide adequate care. They may also be poorly supervised. It can allow abuse and neglect to go undetected.
Nursing homes are also often underfunded. It can lead to substandard conditions, such as inadequate food, water, and medical care. It can also lead to a lack of staff members.
Adequate supervision is essential to prevent abuse and neglect. If you believe that your loved one is not getting proper control, contact our legal team as soon as possible, they will do a great job for you.
Is It Possible to Sue a Nursing Home for Inadequate Care?
Yes, it is possible to sue nursing home facilities for inadequate care. If your loved one has been injured or killed due to abuse or neglect, you may be able to file a nursing home abuse lawsuit process.
You may also be able to sue the nursing home if your loved one has been sickened by substandard conditions, such as inadequate food or water.
Experienced nursing home abuse lawyers can help you investigate your claim and determine who is liable for the injuries or death of your loved one.
A person who has been injured or the next of kin can file a claim for financial compensation, including:
- Medical expenses
- Emotional Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of companionship
- Wrongful death
Colorado nursing home patients and their family members should be aware of their rights and the possible compensation available to them.
When Should I Consult an Attorney for Nursing Home Abuse?
If you believe that your loved one has been injured or killed due to abuse or neglect, it is vital to get legal help as soon as possible. An experienced nursing home abuse lawyer can help you investigate the cause of the injuries and file a claim against the responsible parties.
You should also consult a personal injury attorney if your loved one is sickened by substandard conditions, such as inadequate food or water. Getting medical care for your loved one is essential, but you also need to get legal help to protect their rights.
If you wait too long to get legal help, you may miss the deadline for filing a lawsuit. In some cases, the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit is as short as one year.
Filing a lawsuit is a complex process, and you will need an experienced lawyer to help you navigate the legal system. Contact a skilled nursing home abuse lawyer today to get started on your claim.
How Can We File a Claim Against the Nursing Home?
Filing a claim against a nursing home can be a complex process. You will need to gather evidence to prove that the nursing home is liable for the injuries or death of your loved one.
You will also need to file the claim within the statute of limitations. In some cases, the deadline for filing a lawsuit is as short as one year. You will need an experienced personal injury lawyer to help you navigate the legal system for filing a claim.
Attorneys know all the legal options available to you and can help you get the fair compensation you deserve. You need the following evidence to file a claim against nursing home:
- Medical records
- Witness statements
- Photos or videos of the injuries
- Police reports
- Nursing home inspection reports
Nursing home injury cases may also be settled out of court. If you are considering a settlement, you should take legal advice from your lawyer.
In a wrongful death case of senior citizens, family members can file a claim for damages. You will need the following evidence to file a claim:
- Death certificate
- Medical records
- Witness statements
- Police reports
- Care home inspection reports
Families who have lost a loved family member due to nursing home abuse or neglect may be able to get compensation for their losses. To pursue a wrongful death claim, you will need an experienced lawyer to help you navigate the legal system. The legal information presented at this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer or attorney-client relationship.
Our Worthy Colorado Springs Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys Can Assist You
Nursing Home Lawyers LLC is a law firm that has experience handling nursing home abuse and neglect cases. We will fight for the compensation you deserve.
It would be best if you did not have to go through this challenging time alone. Our attorneys can help you every step of the way, from filing your claim to trial. The attorneys at our law firm will work with you to get the best possible outcome for your case.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys, and you can also fill out a contact form online. We will review your nursing home abuse case and answer any questions you may have. There is no obligation to hire us, and you will not be charged any fees unless we win your case."
Your case is important to us, and we will do a great job for the compensation you deserve.
Resources:
NursingHomeAbuseGuide.org- Facts about Nursing Home Abuse