Nursing Home Lawyer
When you place a family member in a nursing home, you expect for him or her to be treated well. Unfortunately, however, that does not always happen. In fact, nursing home residents get mistreated more often than you might like to think. Nursing home abuse can be physical, sexual, emotional or financial. If you have reason to believe that your loved one is being abused in a nursing home, it’s important to take prompt action.
Here are the next steps to take.
Keep Your Cool
If you suspect that your family member is being mistreated in a nursing home, it is understandable that you may feel angry. However, that does not mean that you should lose your temper. Doing so might make the situation even worse. Instead, take a deep breath and take the necessary steps to seek a resolution.
Speak with Your Family Member
Many nursing home residents will not inform their family members that they are getting abuse out of fear or embarrassment. That is why it is a good idea to calmly ask your loved one about the situation in private. Tell your family member why you suspect abuse and that you are concerned about him or her. Then, allow your family member to tell his or her side of the story.
Talk to the Nursing Home Staff
If you believe that your loved one is getting abused, you should bring the matter up to nursing home staff members. It is possible that what you see as abuse might not be. Give the nursing home staff a chance to explain. However, if they are unwilling to speak with you about the matter, it’s a red flag.
Contact the Police
If you think that your loved one is in immediate danger, you should call the police right away. Your family’s safety is important.
Report the Abuse to the Proper Authorities
Every state has protective services for adults. If you have evidence that your loved one is being harmed, you should contact one of the agencies. When you speak with someone, tell them why you suspect abuse and provide any evidence you may have. They will investigate the case.
Consult a Lawyer
If your family member has suffered abuse in a nursing home, he or she deserves fair compensation. That is why you should get in touch with an experienced nursing home lawyer as soon as possible. He or she can help you collect evidence, identify all of the liable parties and communicate with the insurance company. A skilled lawyer will know the true value of your case and fight hard for fair compensation. Many nursing home lawyers work on a contingency basis, so you do not have to worry about owing any money upfront.
Schedule a consultation with a nursing home lawyer from Brown Kiely, LLP to discuss your case in detail.