Elder Abuse Lawyer Rancho Cucamonga Outlines The Signs Of Mistreatment In Nursing Homes

By Carolyn Carter


After putting a loved one in an assisted living facility, you will trust that the caregivers will provide the needed care. It is their duty to ensure that the personal and medical needs of your relative are catered for and he or she is out of harms way. The unfortunate truth is that numerous residents experience abuse, even after spending thousands of dollars to get the much needed care. If you need to hire an elder abuse lawyer Rancho Cucamonga is a good place to begin your research.

Irrespective of how deep your research for the right facility was, you must always keep watching for signs of mistreatment. You owe it to your loved one to take legal action the instance you suspect that something is amiss. Here are signs that would indicate mistreatment in a nursing home.

There are signs that would show that your relative is being mistreated. The most downright sign is physical injury. This may be in the form of welts, pressure marks, broken bones, scars or bruises. The first thing you should do is ask about the origin of the injuries. If the explanations you are offered hold no water, then you have reason to be wary.

Your loved one could also be an abuse victim because of being neglected. Signs of neglect are not always obvious, though you need to beware about certain warning signs. For instance, it could be that your relative is being neglected if his or her living conditions are either unsafe or unsanitary. Signs like poor hygiene, dehydration, malnutrition, sudden weight loss and bedsores could also indicate neglect.

The impact of emotional or physical abuse could lead to negative changes in the behavior of a victim. If your loved one appears nervous or withdrawn whenever you visit, you should get suspicious. The majorities of victims of abuse in nursing homes will also try limiting opportunities to socialize and they will not want to mingle with the staff and even with other residents.

Abusing a resident in a nursing home is a serious offense that potentially affects over 180,000 residents on a yearly basis. If your loved one has not received the standard of care you were promised, then you have all rights to seek compensation for suffering, pain, injuries and trauma. Then again, there are instances where it is best to file a lawsuit. Here is what you should do to ensure justice for your abused relative.

Just like when handling any other kind of legal issue, you should first consult with an attorney. The right professional will enhance your chances of fighting a winning battle. It is challenging to prove liability in a nursing home mistreatment case and you need a lawyer to help you to gather evidence, interview witnesses and assist you in building the strongest case possible.

Any evidence you can gather will be of paramount importance. Evidence can be in the form of photos, medical records or even statements from witnesses. For you to launch a civil lawsuit, you need to file an official complaint with the courts that provides details and facts related to your claim. You also must identify the liable party for a case to officially begin.




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