National Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers Protecting Your Elderly Loved One

When a loved one or family member gets too old to take care of themselves in daily life, it falls to us to be their caregivers. But, as many of us quickly come to understand, we are not best suited to give the adequate time, resources, or care that our loved ones require. It is not an easy decision to put a family member in an assisted living facility, but we do so with the understanding that they will receive better quality care at their nursing home. So, when we learn that our elderly family members have suffered abuse or neglect as a resident of their nursing homes, the feeling of betrayal and guilt can be sickening. But the guilt lies with the facilities, which, regardless of reason or motive, failed their intended purpose of providing quality to their residents and instead let them fall to harm.

There are many types of nursing home abuse or neglect, including medical malpractice, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, emotional distress, simple negligence, injuries like broken bones, wrongful death, and financial exploitation. Legal action can and should be pursued to protect your loved one from elder abuse but also to protect the elderly that join the facility at a later date. Call Greg Jones Law today at 855-566-3752 to schedule a free consultation.

How is Nursing Home Abuse Defined Under North Carolina Law?

In 2015, North Carolina enacted the Protection of the Abused, Neglected or Exploited Disabled Adult Act to “protect the increasing number of disabled adults in North Carolina who are abused, neglected, or exploited.” Under the Act, “abuse” is defined as “willful infliction of physical pain, injury or mental anguish, unreasonable confinement, or the willful deprivation by a caretaker of services which are necessary to maintain mental and physical health.”

Nursing home staff members face penalties and fines if found guilty of bringing nursing home residents to harm. Staff members and employees could also face criminal charges.

What Should I Do if I Suspect Nursing Home Neglect or Physical Abuse?

If you already suspect nursing home negligence or any kind of physical or emotional abuse, chances are there is something going on that you’re not happy with. However, in order to make a claim, you should first be on the lookout for warning signs for nursing home neglect or abuse. These include:

Bedsores, bruises, or visible injuries
Dehydration or malnutrition
Inadequate supervision
Missing clothes, money, or belongings
Over- or under-medication
Sudden weight loss
Unsanitary conditions

If you feel your loved one is under threat, consider removing them from the facility without delay. Try to talk to them directly to ascertain if your suspicions are correct. Consider speaking to nursing home administration. Document everything. If you still believe there has been nursing home abuse or neglect, file a complaint with North Carolina’s Adult Protective Services agency. Then go to the appropriate law firm and hire a nursing home abuse attorney or a personal injury lawyer with experience working with nursing homes. Greg Jones Law offers a free consultation and has experience working on other cases involving nursing home abuse.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Nursing Home Abuse?

If nursing home staff members are responsible for abuse or neglect, causing either physical or emotional pain, they can be charged. Sometimes nursing home negligence and abuse happen because a facility is understaffed or the employees are inadequately trained, in which case the supervisors and administration can be charged. The owners of nursing homes could also face penalties and charges.

A law office with experience handling nursing home negligence, medical malpractice, and abuse can help. Your attorney will explain your legal options and help you determine if you should file a lawsuit or a claim. Your lawyer can be of great assistance in your wish to start a personal injury case, a wrongful death claim, and if you’re seeking a fair settlement or even punitive damages.

Should I Hire Greg Jones Law as My Nursing Home Abuse Law Firm?

If your elderly family members have suffered abuse or neglect in a nursing home, you should consult with a lawyer immediately. Greg Jones Law has experience working for clients in nursing home abuse cases and can help you if you want to explore legal action on behalf of your loved ones. Call Greg Jones Law today at 855-566-3752 to schedule a free consultation.