FAQs Surrounding Nursing Home Abuse
If you have made the difficult decision to place your loved one in a nursing home, you likely have many questions surrounding nursing home abuse. While it is not pleasant to think about, it is important to understand as much as possible about neglect and abuse that occurs in nursing homes, so you are prepared and know what to do in the event that your family member is ever a victim of it. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about nursing home abuse, and the answers to them.
What Should I Do if I Suspect Nursing Home Abuse?
Suspecting nursing home abuse is extremely concerning, and you may not know what to do right away. If your family member is able to communicate with you, ask them what happened to cause their injury or other loss, such as a missing checkbook. If they cannot communicate with you, or seem hesitant to answer your questions, have them checked by a doctor that is not associated with the facility.
Also speak to a supervisor, manager, or administrator of the nursing home and ask them what happened. If they cannot provide a reasonable answer, speak to a nursing home abuse lawyer that can conduct an investigation.
What are Signs of Nursing Home Abuse to Watch For?
Nursing home abuse is a broad term that covers many different scenarios. The most common signs of nursing home abuse are as follows:
- Pressure ulcers or bed sores
- Unexplained broken bones
- Unexplained falls
- Weight loss or dehydration
- Infections left untreated
- Medication errors
- Signs of sexual assault, such as torn or bloody undergarments
Any time you notice these signs, it may indicate nursing home abuse and you should take action immediately.
Are Pressure Ulcers the Same as Bed Sores?
Yes, pressure ulcers are simply another term for bed sores. Bed sores are extremely common in nursing homes, with approximately one in ten residents suffering from them. Bed sores are extremely painful and can have devastating results for elderly individuals.
Do I have a Claim if My Loved One Passed Away from Nursing Home Abuse?
Yes. You can file a wrongful death claim against the facility to recover damages such as funeral and burial expenses, as well as any losses the elder incurred prior to their death.
What Happens if I Signed an Arbitration Agreement?
Many nursing homes in Florida require residents and their family members to sign an arbitration agreement upon admission. Arbitration removes your right to sue the facility and can be very harmful to your case. If you have signed an arbitration agreement, it is important to speak to a nursing home abuse lawyer that can determine if it is enforceable.
Do I Need to Work with a Florida Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer?
If your loved one has been the victim of nursing home abuse, you are not required to work with a Tampa nursing home abuse lawyer when filing your claim. However, having legal representation will greatly increase your chances of recovering the damages you deserve. At Kohn Law, we are passionate about helping victims of nursing home abuse and their families make things right, and we want to help you, too. Call us today at (813) 428-8504 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation so we can discuss your legal options.
Resource:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0400-0499/0400/0400.html
