Huntsville Nursing Home Abuse Attorney

The elderly are among the most vulnerable members of our society. Seniors often lack the physical strength to defend themselves from abuse, or may have difficulty communicating with others about the harm that has been done to them. In many cases, it is those whom we entrust with the care of our loved ones that abuse and neglect them. If your loved one has suffered abuse or been injured in an accident at a nursing home, they may be entitled to additional protection and compensation for their injuries. The Huntsville nursing home abuse attorneys at Conchin, Cole, Jordan & Sherrod are here to help.

Causes of Elder Abuse and Their Signs

According to the National Council on Aging, approximately 5 million people aged 60 and older are abused each year and as many as 1 in 10 elderly Americans have experienced some form of elder abuse. Even more tragic is the estimate that only around 1 in 14 cases of abuse are ever reported.

Physical abuse is unfortunately a common form of elder abuse. Common signs of physical abuse include bruises, broken bones, frequent need for medical assistance, or burn injuries.

Financial abuse takes place when caregivers or strangers take advantage of decreasing mental capacity of elders to get money from them. This may be evident if the person is living in a manner well beneath what their means should allow, for instance not able to afford adequate food or keeping heaters or air conditioners turned down unusually low.

Emotional abuse takes place when someone harasses or threatens the person with harm. The elder in question may suffer changes in behavior or personality or may begin exhibiting signs of depression or anxiety.

Neglect is another form of elder abuse where the caregiver may not properly see to the person’s medical needs, nutrition, or hygiene. This may become evident in weight loss, bedsores, apparent neglect of personal hygiene, or deteriorating health.

Nursing Home Accidents

While most nursing homes genuinely care for their patients, in some places neglect of the premises or a failure to properly train staff can result in dangerous accidents. This may result in falls, unhealthy living conditions, danger from other patients, or burns or scalds from hot water. When a nursing home neglects the safety of its patients, the elderly people in their care may require expensive medical treatment to recover.

What to Do if You Suspect Elder Abuse or a Nursing Home Accident

If you suspect that your loved one is being abused or has been in an accident in a nursing home, you should immediately inform their caregiver or the staff of the nursing home. In cases of elder abuse, you should notify local law enforcement and adult protective services. If their case has resulted in injury, immediately seek treatment from qualified medical personnel. In many cases this may mean seeking treatment outside the facility currently providing care.

Consulting with a Huntsville nursing home abuse lawyer is a good way to ensure that your loved one’s medical expenses are covered after their abuse or the accident they suffered. Their age or mental condition should not exclude them from receiving the compensation they are due after an injury. Contact us today to see how the elder abuse attorneys at Conchin, Cole, Jordan & Sherrod can help.