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Personal Injury
Temecula Nursing Home Abuse Attorney
Protecting the Rights of Elderly & Dependent Adults
When you place your loved one in a nursing home, you trust that they will be well cared for. Regrettably, numerous nursing homes and long-term care establishments do not meet the needed standards of care for elderly and dependent individuals. In certain instances, residents of nursing homes encounter severe injuries or even wrongful death due to maltreatment or negligence.
You have the right to take legal action if you or a loved one was the victim of abuse or neglect at a nursing home. At Law Office of Rob Schelling, A Professional Corporation, we dedicate ourselves to assisting victims of nursing home negligence in their quest for justice. With over 30 years of expertise, our Temecula-based legal expert specializing in abuses in nursing homes is prepared to vigorously defend your and your loved one's rights.
Call our office at (951) 355-2965 or contact us online to request a free, confidential consultation with our nursing home abuse attorneys in Temecula at Law Office of Rob Schelling, A Professional Corporation.
What Is Nursing Home Abuse?
The harm that residents of long-term care facilities suffer as a result of intentional acts, carelessness, or negligence is referred to as abuse in nursing homes. This might include financial, emotional, or physical abuse, and it can come from staff members or other residents. It's a serious problem that often results in discomfort, illness, or even death for those who experience it.
Some common examples of nursing home abuse include:
- Physical abuse, such as hitting, slapping, or restraining a resident
- Emotional abuse, such as yelling, threatening, or isolating a resident
- Sexual abuse, such as rape, molestation, or forcing a resident to watch pornography
- Financial exploitation, such as stealing a resident's money or identity
- Neglect, such as failing to provide a resident with food, water, medication, or medical care
Nursing home abuse can be perpetrated by anyone, including nursing home staff, other residents, and even visitors. In some cases, nursing home abuse is the result of understaffing, inadequate training, or negligent hiring practices on the part of the nursing home.
What Are the Signs of Nursing Home Abuse?
Abuse at nursing homes can take many different forms, so it's important to know the warning signals. Frequent accidents, bruising, or unexplained injuries can be signs of physical abuse. Abuse of the emotions can lead to behavioral abnormalities including sadness, anxiety, or disengagement from daily tasks. Signs of sexual abuse in nursing homes can result in harm to the intimate areas of the body or STDs.
Abuse can also take the form of neglect, which is indicated by lack of medical aids (e.g., glasses or dentures), weight loss, or poor cleanliness. If there are abrupt changes in one's financial circumstances, such as unexpected bank withdrawals or will modifications, one may suspect financial exploitation.
Moreover, the overall environment of the nursing home can provide clues. For instance, lack of adequate staffing, high turnover rates among staff, or reluctance of staff to leave residents alone with visitors could indicate potential abuse or neglect.
Some common signs of nursing home abuse include:
- Unexplained injuries, such as bruises, cuts, or broken bones
- Changes in behavior, such as becoming withdrawn, anxious, or depressed
- Changes in personality, such as becoming more irritable or agitated
- Changes in sleep patterns, such as sleeping more or less than usual
- Changes in appetite, such as eating more or less than usual
- Unexplained weight loss
- Dehydration
- Malnutrition
- Bedsores
- Unsanitary living conditions
- Soiled bedding or clothing
- Missed medication
- Missed medical appointments
- Failure to assist with daily activities
In all cases, the key is to listen to the elderly person's complaints and observe any changes in their behavior or health status. If you notice any of these signs, it is important to take immediate action to protect your loved one. You should report your concerns to the nursing home administrator and, if necessary, contact the police or Adult Protective Services (APS). You should also consider contacting an experienced nursing home abuse attorney in Temecula to discuss your legal options.
Request a Consultation
You have the right to file a lawsuit if you or a loved one has suffered abuse or neglect at a nursing home. Our goal at the Law Office of Rob Schelling, A Professional Corporation is to support those who have been abused or neglected in nursing homes in their legal battle for justice. Our Temecula nursing home abuse lawyer has the resources, expertise, and experience necessary to manage your case successfully. We'll put in endless effort to make the nursing home answerable and get you the most money you're entitled to.
Call our office at (951) 355-2965 or contact us online to request a free, confidential consultation with our nursing home abuse lawyer in California.
FAQ: Protecting the Rights of Elderly & Dependent Adults
1. What constitutes nursing home abuse?
Nursing home abuse refers to any intentional act or negligence that causes harm to residents in long-term care facilities. This can include physical, emotional, sexual, and financial abuse, as well as neglect in providing necessary care.
2. What are the common signs of nursing home abuse?
Signs may include unexplained injuries (bruises, cuts), behavioral changes (withdrawal, anxiety), weight loss, dehydration, malnutrition, unsanitary living conditions, missed medications, and failure to assist with daily activities.
3. What should I do if I suspect abuse in a nursing home?
If you suspect abuse, document your observations and report your concerns to the nursing home administration. You may also contact law enforcement or Adult Protective Services (APS) and consult with a nursing home abuse attorney for legal advice.
4. Can I sue a nursing home for abuse or neglect?
Yes, you can file a lawsuit if you or a loved one has suffered abuse or neglect in a nursing home. An attorney can help you understand your rights and guide you through the legal process.
5. What damages can be recovered in a nursing home abuse case?
Damages may include compensation for medical expenses, emotional distress, pain and suffering, and punitive damages against the nursing home if their actions were particularly egregious.
Call our office at (951) 355-2965 or contact us online to request a free, confidential consultation with our nursing home abuse lawyer in California.
