Glendale Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers
I Suspect that a Loved One is Being Abused in a Glendale Nursing Home. What Should I Do?
Abuse of the elderly in nursing homes continues to be an issue in Glendale and throughout Maricopa County. It's horrible to think about our parents, grandparents, friends or loved ones - people who deserve a great deal of care and respect - being mistreated in a nursing home by the people who are supposed to protect them. Unfortunately, it happens all too often.
It's a scary prospect, but if you have a loved one in a nursing home facility or an assisted living facility and you suspect that there's abuse going on, it's vital to investigate the situation further. Depending on what you find, you may even consider hiring legal representation to file a personal injury claim against the nursing home.
In these kinds of claims, the very first priority is to ensure that the victim being abused is taken out of the abusive situation and is protected, properly cared for, and compensated for the injuries and pain and suffering they sustained. Once that's achieved though, it's also important to hold the negligent party responsible for their actions - and what better way to do that then through a personal injury law suit. Such a law suit will punish the at fault party as well as send a message to nursing home operators that such behavior is unacceptable. In addition, it will also help to protect other patients residing in the nursing home or assisted living facility.
What's the Difference Between Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect?
Nursing home abuse and neglect in Glendale is really quite broad and there are many different kinds of each. But nursing home neglect typically involves not making sure a person is safe and cared for. For example, if a patient is not very steady on their feet - and has an increased tendency to fall - then neglect would entail not taking any measures to protect that patient or resident.
When neglect goes beyond these simple mistakes, it becomes abuse. Abuse can be anything from restraining, hitting, slapping, pushing, shoving, over-medicating or under-medicating, or not giving the patient enough food or water. Because of this kind of abuse, the elderly victim might suffer from bruises, cuts, swelling, broken bones, and other kinds of physical injuries - all at the hands of supposed caretakers.
If I Suspect Elder Abuse, What Should I Do?
Even if you do witness one of the signs or symptoms of elder abuse listed above, that doesn't always mean there is in fact actual abuse or neglect going on. So it's important to investigate any signs or symptoms you see. Ask questions and try to uncover the causes. There may be a reasonable explanation for them. Also, be sure to visit your loved one regularly and pop in unexpectedly to ensure they are receiving adequate care.
If your investigation leads you to uncover abuse, then it's time to contact an attorney. At Breyer Law Offices, we are experienced nursing home abuse attorneys and know the law under the Arizona Adult Protective Services Act. We are happy to provide you with the information and answers you require to make the best decision for you and your loved one. Please contact our offices to schedule a free, no obligation consultation.
