Call Us atNursing home abuse is a tragedy that often happens all over the country. It is never easy to place a person you love in a nursing home, and suspecting they are suffering abuse can be devastating.
Schedule a consultation with a compassionate Kent nursing home abuse lawyer for help right away. A skilled personal injury attorney could help you collect damages and hold the facility accountable.
Potential Warning Signs of Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect
There is a vast range of potential warning signs of abuse or neglect in nursing homes or long-term care facilities. Some of the common symptoms to watch for include the following:
- Untreated medical conditions
- Signs of malnutrition or dehydration
- Bed sores, rashes, or unexplained marks
- Unkempt appearance
- Unsanitary living conditions
- Sudden changes in behavior
At any slight sign of abuse or neglect of a loved one, a family member should act immediately. Taking quick action will not only help their loved ones, but it will also help other residents in the nursing home if there is abuse occurring in the center. A nursing home abuse lawyer in Kent could help investigate an incident and file a claim quickly.
Forms of Nursing Home Abuse
Residents in nursing homes can face various types of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse or neglect.
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse occurs when a resident suffers injuries causing bodily harm, impairment, or pain. It may be hitting, punching, kicking, pinching, or any use of force a caregiver or employee uses to control the resident.
Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse may consist of taunting, threats, harassment, or any non-physical form of abusive behavior. Emotional and mental abuse can be just as damaging as physical abuse.
Neglect
Neglect occurs when caregivers in a facility fail to provide the residents with their daily needs, such as food and water. The negligence can be intentional or unintentional and leave residents with severe bedsores, infections, or malnourishment.
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse occurs if there is any non-consensual sexual contact from a caregiver or facility employee. Sexual abuse is the least common form of abuse, and signs to watch for include bruising in the genital area or unexplained sexually transmitted diseases. A knowledgeable attorney in Kent could answer questions about the various forms and signs of nursing home abuse.
Rights and Protections as Nursing Home Residents
Residents in nursing homes and long-term care facilities have certain rights under Washington state and federal laws. Some of the rights and protections included in the legislation include:
- Residents have the right to care free from discrimination, abuse, neglect, and restraints
- Exercise their rights as a United States citizen
- Spend time with visitors of their choice
- Make their own financial decisions
- Have private and comfortable living arrangements
All nursing homes and long-term care facilities must post and ensure all residents understand their rights. A nursing home abuse lawyer in Kent could investigate to determine if the facility was in compliance with regulations.
Call a Seasoned Kent Nursing Home Abuse Attorney
Nursing home abuse can cause severe harm to your loved one and other residents living in the home. Therefore, you must take action immediately if you suspect it could be occurring.
If you suspect your loved one is suffering at the hands of a caregiver, schedule to meet a practiced Kent nursing home abuse lawyer. Call today to begin investigating and preparing a claim.
