Managing Abuse And Neglect Cases In Nursing Homes
Have you or a member of your family been injured in a NJ nursing home? If so, call Davis & Bruca, LLC – THE nursing home injury lawyer NJ trusts. Our team of experienced NJ nursing home attorneys can help. Trust our legal team to take action against the negligent party. We can recover damages for the physical pain and suffering caused by nursing home neglect and abuse. Our caring team of top lawyers will help you navigate the legal process. We can help relieve your stress. We can help answer your questions about nursing home abuse, what went wrong in your specific case. With the assistance of a top law firm like Davis & Brusca, LLC you will have a solid legal strategy and can hold those responsible to account.
What are common signs of abuse in nursing homes?
Your loved one is dependent upon the nursing home for care. You should be able to trust the care providers to live up to their obligations and deliver that care. Unfortunately, many nursing homes don’t live up to this expectation. As such, it is crucial that family members recognize the signs of possible nursing home abuse. There are many warning signs. Some examples include:
- Unexplained Injuries
- Changes in Mood
- Irritability
- Withdrawn
- Depressed
- Poor Hygiene
- Signs of Overmedication
- Torn Clothing or Bed Sheets
- Malnutrition/Dehydration
- Restrictions on Family Access to Their Loved One
What should I do if nursing home abuse is suspected?
If you suspect your loved one is experiencing nursing home abuse or neglect, take immediate action. Doing so may be the only thing preventing further harm. Stay in contact with the nursing home’s administration and staff. Voice your concerns. And contact a nursing home injury lawyer in NJ, like Davis & Brusca, LLC. Share your concerns and any explanation offered by the nursing home. Our expert lawyers can help identify whether the explanation sounds legitimate. We can also help you gain additional information. If possible, you should also speak with your loved one. They may be able to shed light on your concerns. Ask them directly if they are satisfied with the care they are receiving. However, if they are unusually withdrawn or become agitated when you inquire, pay attention. Such a response may signify a severe problem with abuse. If you know for a fact that your loved one is being abused, contact law enforcement and the NJ Ombudsman. If your loved one suffered injury from abuse, make sure they receive prompt medical attention. You can also report concerns of nursing home abuse to the New Jersey Department of Health. They may be able to open an investigation into the suspected abuse.
What damages can a victim of nursing home abuse recover?
Nursing home abuse cases involve damages similar to other personal injury claims. There are two general types of damages in these cases:
- Economic Damages: Tangible losses from the abuse include medical expenses, and other direct losses (value of stolen property, etc.)
- Non-Economic Damages: These are case specific, but generally include pain and suffering, emotional harm, etc.
How can I find a trustworthy nursing home to care for my loved one?
Entrusting another to care for your loved one can be a difficult decision. Most people turn to nursing homes because they are unable to meet their loved one’s needs. Neglect and abuse should never happen. Tragically, it does happen. And all too often at that! No one can guarantee that their loved one will be safe. Abuse and neglect can happen in even the best nursing home. However, here are some guidelines that may help you find a trustworthy facility for your loved one:
- Research all prospective facilities. You can:
- Take advantage of the “nursing home compare” website offered by CMS (https://www.medicare.gov/care-compare/?providerType=NursingHome&redirect=true). It can provide you with an excellent snapshot of how the facility you are considering stacks up to expectations and amongst its peers
- Research any data offered by your State Department of Health. For example, in NJ you can see how each facility compares to the state “average” for several important care metrics, such as staffing levels (https://healthapps.state.nj.us/facilities/fsSetSearch.aspx?by=county)
- Visit all of the nursing homes you are considering (more than one time)
- Observe staff and administration during the visit. What you see (and smell) can tell you a lot about what you can expect
- Discuss specific health needs of your loved with the facility. Ask administrators and Directors of nursing how they would care for them
- Ask for recommendations
- Consider contacting your local ombudsman’s office to learn more about prospective facilities
My loved one was Abused. What can I do?
No one should suffer abuse in a nursing home. Unfortunately, abuse in care facilities is more common than people realize. If your loved one has been abused or neglected, take action. Contact the NJ nursing home lawyers at Davis & Brusca, LLC today and find our how to proceed with your case.
