3 Things to Do if You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse



When you moved your loved one into a nursing home, you naturally trust the doctors, nurses, and caregivers to make sure that your loved one will be given sufficient care and respect. So it can be a hurtful betrayal when you suddenly find that your loved one is being abused in the nursing home. As bad as the situation is, however, you can file a claim against the liable party and pursue compensation for your loved one’s losses. Here are three important things you should do if you suspect that your loved one is suffering from nursing home abuse.

1. Write Down Your Observations of The Abuse

Make sure that your observations are as detailed as possible. Describe the specific changes you’ve been seeing in your loved one and how they are different from when your loved one wasn't in the nursing home. List down all the names and titles of the nursing home staff that your loved one interacts with on a daily basis. Most importantly, and if applicable, listen to what your loved one is telling you, especially if he or she is alleging abuse.

2. Document The Abuse

Talk to the supervisors and staff at the nursing home. Consider recording what they said about your specific concerns. But keep in mind that nursing home administrators are trained to mitigate abuse allegations by downplaying a complainant’s concerns or alleging that the nursing home resident alleging abuse is just confused and don’t really know what’s happening.

Consider discussing the situation with family members of past nursing home residents. If applicable, ask if they are open to make a statement about the abuses suffered by their loved ones. Take videos and photos of your loved one’s bruises, bedsores, and any other injuries you see. You should likewise document your loved one’s room in the nursing home, including soiled sheets or clothes, the condition of the room, as well as any other conditions that you suspect might have contributed to the abuse.

3. Take Immediate Action

If possible, and as quickly as you can, take your loved one away from the nursing home. But if you discover serious untreated injuries and abuse, call 911 or an ambulance. Call your loved one’s physician and explain the situation. Inform relevant authorities about the abuse and contact a nursing home abuse lawyer for legal advice and your next steps.

Elder or nursing home abuse and neglect cases are complicated and involve issues regarding medical privacy, patient competency, and family authorization. In most cases, however, nursing home abuse cases may include a negligence claim and medical malpractice claim. A personal injury attorney who has experience with nursing home abuse can help recover compensation for your loved one’s damages, including past and future medical costs, pain and suffering, and your lost income if you need to care for your loved one.

Contact Salam & Associates for a Free Consultation

If you suspect that your loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse, do not delay and do everything that you can to protect them. Our lawyers here at Salam & Associates are licensed to practice in various states, including Texas, New Mexico, Michigan, and D.C. Arrange your free claim review by calling us at 866-640-8998 or contacting us online at [email protected] or www.salampc.com.



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