A top nursing home lawyer District Heights MD offers is available for families who believe their loved one has been neglected while under the supervision of a nursing facility. While many nursing homes do provide excellent care for its residents, unfortunately some do not. In fact, up to one in three elderly people will experience some form of neglect while in a facility. These negative actions may lead to a number of emotional or mental stressors, and perhaps even physical pain.
If you suspect your loved one is being neglected in an elderly care facility, a nursing home lawyer in District Heights MD may be able to help. The experienced personal injury lawyers at Cohen and Cohen, P.C. are well-versed in laws related to nursing home neglect. Through a free consultation, we can help determine your best course of action and whether or not you may be entitled to compensation.
Understanding the Signs of Nursing Home Neglect
Every year, hundreds of thousands of elderly men and women are neglected, abused, or exploited in nursing home facilities. Unfortunately, this number is expected to rise as the baby boomer generation enters the age at which they may need a nursing home. More often than not, elderly people suffer in silence and are too scared to speak out. A few reasons nursing home residents remain quiet might include fears of repercussions from the staff or not knowing where they will go if they were to leave the facility. Typically, it’s the family members of nursing home residents who start to notice signs of neglect or abuse. If you begin to notice any of the following, it may be important to contact a nursing home lawyer District Heights MD residents trust.
Abuse can be physical, emotional, mental, or a combination of the three. The following may indicate that abuse or neglect is taking place:
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- An unclean room
- Torn or dirty clothing
- Poor personal hygiene
- Broken eyeglasses or hearing aids
- Bruises, abrasions, burns, or broken bones
- Slap or restraint marks
- Bruises around the breasts or genital area
- Sexually transmitted disease
- Bed sores or skin ulcers
- Dehydration
- Unusual weight loss or signs of malnutrition
- Depression, fearfulness, and fatigue
- Withdrawal from normal activities
- Changes in alertness
- Rocking back and forth
- Tense or strained relationships with the nursing home
- Refusal of the facility to allow you to visit with the resident alone
- Residents left unattended for long intervals
- Insufficient medical personnel
- Any drug overdose
- Alterations or changes in the elderly resident’s will, accounts, or finances
If you’ve noticed any of the aforementioned signs, a District Heights MD nursing home lawyer may be able to further investigate the alleged claim.
What to Do When You Suspect Nursing Home Neglect
If you suspect nursing home neglect, it might be helpful to document any obvious evidence or potential proof of the neglect. It is important to make sure you are not putting yourself or a loved one at risk by doing so. Pictures and videos are a few examples of evidence that may help strengthen your legal claim.
Whether or not you have pieces of evidence, once you believe something is going on, your next step may be to contact a nursing home lawyer District Heights MD residents turn to for help. The lawyer may recommend that your loved one is moved to a new, safe location while the case is being reviewed. An attorney may also contact the Department of Health and other government agencies so they can carry out a thorough investigation.
Contact a Nursing Home Lawyer District Heights MD Residents Have on Their Side
The lawyers at Cohen and Cohen, P.C, understand the emotions you may be going through as a result of neglect or abuse happening to a loved one. You may feel angry and betrayed, especially when you thought you’d done the right thing in letting professional caregivers maintain the health and safety of an elderly family member or friend. Our personal injury lawyers are committed to helping clients hold nursing homes responsible for the harm they may have caused. If you would like to consult with a nursing home lawyer District Heights MD families respect, call 301-760-3296 today.
