Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

When a loved one declines in health, becomes injured, or passes away unexpectedly in a nursing home or assisted care facility, it’s natural to have questions and suspicions. But many families find it difficult to take action when they are mourning a loss and are unsure where to turn for help.

Nursing homes and assisted living facilities are legally responsible for providing residents with appropriate care and supervision. If they are negligent in providing this care, the victim or their family has the right to seek financial compensation in a civil suit.

Negligence in nursing homes can take many forms:

• Neglect
• Emotional abuse
• Physical abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Financial Exploitation

Nursing Home Neglect

The most common type of nursing home liability cases involve neglect. While neglect frequently leads to physical injury, it is a “passive” form of abuse that is associated with a failure to provide proper care. Consistent neglect can lead to injury, infection, and even wrongful death.

Some common signs of nursing home neglect include:

• Poor personal hygiene
• Bed sores
• Unsanitary conditions in the facility or within the patient’s room
• Unexplained weight loss
• Malnutrition
• Dehydration
• Lack of supervision, either within the facility or in public
• Unnecessary restraints
• Failure to provide medical care

Nursing Home Abuse

While neglect is defined as a more passive form of negligence in nursing home liability cases, abuse is the active and intentional infliction of harm upon a resident. Cases against nursing homes and assisted living facilities can be filed if a resident is proven to have experienced physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, or even financial exploitation.

Some common signs of nursing home abuse include:

• Unexplained injuries, ranging from the serious (broken bones) to the minor (cuts and bruises)
• Sexually transmitted diseases or infections
• Heightened fear or anxiety
• Avoidance of or agitation around staff members
• Significant personality changes

As your loved one ages, it can be difficult to distinguish legitimate abuse from the advancement of certain diseases like dementia. Your legal team can help you launch an extensive investigation and determine whether you have a viable case.

Protect Your Family

GT Law Firm has over 30 years of experience with nursing home abuse and neglect cases. We are committed to helping families understand what happened to their loved one and guiding them through the process of holding a facility accountable.