We rely on nursing facilities to care for our seniors with compassion and competence. However, many nursing staff and facilities shirk this duty and cause harm to patients and residents. If your loved one has been a victim of nursing home abuse, you should speak to the team at Jenner Law.
Our nursing home abuse lawyers in Indianapolis can seek justice and answers on your loved one’s behalf. We can investigate facilities to identify signs of abuse and pursue a claim to recover your losses. The consequences of abuse can be far-reaching, but we can work to make things right again.
All of our lawyers and paralegals have gone through cognitive and trauma interview training at the Center for Hope so that we can offer compassionate assistance. We are committed to protecting the rights of seniors in care facilities. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with an Indianapolis personal injury lawyer.
How a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Can Help
An Indianapolis nursing home abuse lawyer can be your legal point of contact throughout the entire process of filing a lawsuit. We can gather evidence of abuse or neglect, obtain medical documentation, and gather eyewitness statements.
We can also send demand letters and represent you during settlement negotiations. We are unafraid to pursue your claim wherever it may lead, even if that’s formal litigation. Our team also has experience litigating class action lawsuits against major corporations.
Our seniors deserve to have someone who will stand up for their rights and safety. You can count on us to be a stalwart advocate for you and your family. Call us today to learn more about how we can help.
For a free legal consultation with a nursing home abuse lawyer call,
(888) 585-2188
Types of Abuse in Nursing Homes
Nursing home abuse can take many forms, but all are serious and warrant serious investigation. Below are some of the most common types of nursing home abuse our attorneys encounter in our practice:
- Physical. Physical abuse can consist of striking, hitting, rough handling, or using unnecessary restraints. It can also include withholding food/medicine or removing accommodations to create discomfort, like blankets or pillows. Many nursing home residents are also victims of sexual abuse and assault.
- Emotional. Emotional abuse can include yelling, belittling, threatening, and humiliating patients in front of other residents. Isolating residents from others can also count as emotional abuse.
- Financial. Variants of financial abuse include stealing possessions, using credit cards without permission, making illicit withdrawals, and forging signatures on financial forms.
What Causes Abuse and Negligence in Nursing Facilities?
There are state and federal laws ensuring protections for residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities. Despite these laws, abuse and neglect still occur.
Much of this comes from individual care providers. Nursing homes can be a stressful work environment, and some staff will unjustifiably take their frustrations out on patients. Others may lack the proper training or certifications and make avoidable errors that jeopardize patient safety.
Other forms of neglect are due to facility mismanagement. Facilities might not staff sufficient orderlies or fail to keep track of patient medication and personal information. They may also fail to ensure staff members are qualified.
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Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
Recognizing the signs of nursing home abuse is important to protect vulnerable seniors. Below are some of the most common signs of physical, emotional, or financial abuse:
- Unexplained bruising or injuries
- Pressure sores and ulcers
- Signs of restraints on wrists
- Significant weight loss
- Disheveled or unhygienic appearance
- Infections and frequent illness
- Withdrawn behavior
- Mood swings
- Fear or anxiety
- Confusion and difficulties concentrating
- Unsanitary facility conditions
- Missing money or possessions
- Unexpected bank withdrawals
- Irregularities or sudden changes in financial information
If you notice any of the above signs, you should record them and talk to a lawyer. They can instruct you on the next steps of filing a complaint and pursuing financial compensation.
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Compensation You Can Recover in a Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuit
Below are the main types of losses you can recover compensation for in a nursing home abuse lawsuit:
- Cost of medical treatment related to the abuse
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Cost of relocating to a different nursing facility
- Reimbursement of stolen possessions and money
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress, anxiety, and depression
- Loss of companionship
- Funeral and burial costs
In some cases, it may also be possible to receive additional punitive damages. These are damages that may be awarded if staff or facilities engaged in egregious violations or intentionally malicious behavior.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit?
You usually have two years to file a lawsuit for nursing home abuse. Since nursing home abuse is rarely a one-time event, the date the timer starts is the date of the last occurrence of abusive or negligent conduct. Once more than two years have passed, you won’t be able to file a lawsuit for financial compensation.
These time limits are extremely strict and have few exceptions. To give yourself the best chance of success, you should talk to a lawyer early. They can start gathering evidence and ensure you meet all filing deadlines and requirements.
Contact an Indianapolis Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
Nursing home abuse can have far-reaching effects and cause great financial and emotional distress. Jenner Law can stand up for victims of abuse and fight to protect their interests and well-being. Send our office a message today or call us to schedule a case consultation with a nursing home abuse lawyer in Indianapolis.
Call or text (888) 585-2188 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form