Need a Tampa Nursing Home Abuse Attorney? Here are Four Signs
Nursing home abuse is often unreported. Residents in long-term care facilities do not always want to come forward due to shame or embarrassment, or they may not understand the abuse is happening due to conditions such as dementia. This can make it difficult for loved ones to speak to a resident about suspected abuse or neglect. If you think your loved one is being treated unfairly in a nursing home, you may have already thought of contacting a Tampa nursing home abuse attorney. Below are four signs you may need legal help.
Sudden Illnesses or Injuries
It is always cause for concern if your loved one becomes suddenly ill or injured while staying in a nursing home. If your family member suddenly has cuts, bruises, broken bones, or burns and you do not receive a reasonable explanation for them, it could indicate nursing home abuse or neglect. Sudden illnesses, such as infections, can also be a sign of neglect. If the nursing home’s reasonings seem defensive or vague, it is important to contact a lawyer.
Your Loved One’s Behavior Changes
Behavioral changes are a strong indication about what is happening in the nursing home when no one else is around. Anxiety, fear, sudden agitation, or withdrawal can indicate psychological or emotional abuse. If your loved one was once happy and jovial but they are now anxious or nervous, it is worth investigating.
Behavioral changes can also result in loss of appetite, sleep disturbances, or a reluctance to participate in activities they once enjoyed. These are signs of emotional trauma caused by neglect, intimidation, or verbal abuse from nursing home staff members. An attorney can help you determine if you need to take legal action.
Missing Personal Items, and Financial or Legal Changes
Financial abuse is on the rise in nursing homes, but it is still often overlooked. If your family member’s personal items start disappearing, or you notice unusual bank account transactions or withdrawals, someone in the facility may be taking advantage of them. Regularly review legal documents such as powers of attorney and wills to determine if there are any irregularities. If so, a lawyer can investigate on your behalf.
Isolating Friends and Family
Any time nursing home staff members start to limit communication or restrict access to your loved one, it may be a sign of abuse. Perpetrators of abuse often isolate their victims so they do not tell anyone of the abuse or neglect. If the nursing home regularly denies you visits, or you are only given vague answers about why your family member cannot speak to you on the phone, they may be trying to cover up their wrongdoings. In these instances, it is critical to speak to an attorney.
Call Our Nursing Home Abuse Attorney in Tampa Today
If you feel as though your loved one is being mistreated, it is critical that you speak to a Tampa nursing home abuse attorney. At Kohn Law, our experienced attorney can investigate the circumstances and if necessary, help your family file a claim against the facility. Call us now at 813-428-8504 or contact us online to schedule a consultation and to learn more about how we can help.
Source:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0400-0499/0400/0400.html
