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As the population of elderly Americans continues to grow, many families are turning to nursing homes to provide care and support for their loved ones who can no longer live independently.
Families trust these facilities to provide their loved ones with a safe, respectful, and nurturing environment. However, this trust is sometimes violated when nursing home residents are subjected to abuse or neglect.
If you suspect that a loved one has been harmed in a nursing home in Charleston, you need to act immediately to keep them from suffering further harm.
At Forbes Law Offices, we can guide you through the legal process to make sure any individuals and facilities responsible for inflicting harm upon your loved one are held accountable for their actions. Reach out to our Charleston nursing home abuse lawyer to see how we can assist with securing compensation for your loved one.
Nursing home abuse is more common than many realize. The National Council on Aging (NCOA) suggests that as many as one in 10 older individuals may be abused every year. Unfortunately, this can happen in facilities that are entrusted with their care.
Abuse can take many forms. These can include:
This type of abuse involves the intentional infliction of harm, such as hitting, slapping, or restraining a resident. You might notice unexplained bruises, fractures, or other injuries on your loved one.
Verbal assaults, threats, humiliation, or isolation are all types of mistreatment. Some residents may exhibit changes in mood, depression, anxiety, or withdrawal from social interactions.
When a nursing home fails to provide adequate care, such as assistance with hygiene, medication, or food, that is neglect. Warning signs a close relative is being neglected include malnutrition, dehydration, unsanitary living conditions, or untreated medical issues.
If your loved one experienced any non-consensual sexual contact, that is another form of abuse. Bruising around sensitive areas, sexually transmitted infections, or changes in behavior are a few indicators of these criminal acts.
Sometimes, caregivers or staff members may try to take advantage of the resident’s finances. They may resort to stealing money, forging signatures, or coercing them into financial agreements. You will want to be on the lookout for any unusual transactions, missing belongings, or sudden changes in financial standing.
Whether you’re able to clearly classify the type of treatment your loved one has faced as one of the above or not, consider reaching out to a Charleston nursing home abuse lawyer in our office to discuss what you’ve noticed. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Nursing homes in West Virginia are legally required to provide a standard of care that ensures the safety and dignity of residents. Federal laws, such as the Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987, establish specific rights for residents. All residents have the right to be free from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
Under West Virginia state regulations, nursing homes must adhere to strict guidelines to protect residents’ health and well-being. Failure to meet these standards can lead to civil liability and criminal charges.
If you learn that your loved one has suffered from mistreatment in a long-term care facility, talk to our Charleston nursing home abuse attorney today.
In cases of abuse, you need to protect the welfare of your loved one. If they are being abused, this is an environment that is not safe. First, you need to have a clear record of any misdoings.
You need to document any alleged incident. That means keeping records of injuries, behavioral changes, or conversations with staff. Any photographs, medical records, and notes can help to build a case.
Along with that, you need to reach out to the staff supervisor or administrator. There should be a record of your concerns. If you feel that they are not addressing your complaint, then you may need to reach out to a regulatory authority, such as the West Virginia Bureau for Social Services.
You might even want to pursue the issue with a federal agency like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). They can also investigate complaints about abuse in nursing homes.
Whether you have questions or want to start the claims process, make sure to contact a Charleston nursing home abuse attorney. Our legal professionals at Forbes Law Offices can evaluate your case, advise you on your legal options, and handle communications with the nursing home and insurance companies.
After learning about the abuse, it is normal to feel angry, distressed, and maybe a little guilty. But it’s not your fault. However, now is the time to work with a legal advocate who can pursue justice and compensation on your behalf. You may not be able to change what happened, but an attorney can make sure that those individuals are accountable for their behavior and actions.
You need a powerful advocate who will fight to protect your loved one’s rights. First, your lawyer will take the time to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the abuse. Everything from reviewing medical records to interviewing witnesses will be handled for you. Their top priority is to build a strong case for your claim.
With that, your attorney will compile evidence to prove negligence or misconduct on the part of the nursing home, staff, administrators, or anyone else responsible. Evidence is needed to show liability in these incidents, especially if the facility fails to meet regulatory standards or conducts poor background checks on staff.
In these cases, you and your loved one could be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, emotional distress, pain and suffering, and other damages. When you work with a Charleston nursing home abuse lawyer like ours, we’ll make sure that you receive a fair settlement or pursue a verdict in court.
However, it is more than just a settlement; it’s about holding these facilities accountable. Taking legal action is a powerful deterrent. Your actions can encourage nursing homes to improve their practices and prevent future abuse.
When selecting a nursing home abuse lawyer, make sure that they have the following qualities:
At Forbes Law Offices, we meet all of the above criteria. Our legal team cares about the health and welfare of you and your loved ones. When nursing home residents have been harmed by those who should be providing quality care, we will make sure to hold them under the civil court system.
Taking legal action against nursing home abuse is not just about compensation; it’s about protecting the vulnerable and holding facilities accountable. By pursuing justice, you help create a safer environment for all residents.
If you suspect nursing home abuse in West Virginia, Forbes Law Offices is here to assist. Our Charleston nursing home abuse lawyer is ready to discuss your case and provide you with a few options to move forward
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