Types of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

There are more than 15,000 nursing homes in the United States. Approximately 1.4 million Americans live in these facilities because they can no longer care for themselves due to declining mental or physical health. Individuals who reside in these facilities are one of America’s most vulnerable populations, with more than two million elderly Americans reporting some type of abuse in 2014 alone. Because many victims fail to report their abuse, either due to fear of retaliation or the lack of the means to do so, the true number of victims could be much higher than this. In many cases, the abuser is the victim’s own partner or child.

Nursing home abuse claims are a type of personal injury claim. If you or a loved one has suffered from any of the following types of abuse at the hands of a caregiver, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. Contact an experienced personal injury attorney to begin working on your claim as soon as you can.

Physical Abuse

Any type of harmful physical contact may be considered to be physical abuse. This can include hitting, kicking, shoving, and forceful handling of the victim. Confining the victim against his or her will or failing to provide him or her with necessary medication may also be considered to be a form of physical abuse.

Emotional or Psychological Abuse

Emotional abuse can be as damaging as physical abuse. This includes isolating a victim from his or her friends or family, belittling or insulting the victim, or attempting to manipulate the victim by withholding attention or affection. Failing to meet the victim’s psychological needs may also constitute emotional abuse.

Financial Exploitation

Stealing from a nursing home resident, either directly or through deceptive measures, is known as financial exploitation. It can include using the victim’s identity for financial gain, convincing him or her to donate to fraudulent charities, or simply taking cash from the victim’s wallet.

Sexual Abuse

Any unwanted sexual contact may be considered to be sexual abuse. This can include touching, sexual acts, the viewing of pornographic materials, or repeated sexual comments about the victim. Any sexual act that occurs without the victim’s consent is sexual abuse.

Neglect

Neglect of elderly patients is one of the most pervasive types of nursing home abuse to occur. Neglect is the failure of a caretaker to adequately meet his or her patient’s needs. Although neglect sometimes comes from caretakers shirking their responsibilities to their patients, it can also occur due to ignorance on the caretaker’s part, overburdening the caretaker with patients and tasks, or denial of the extent of the patient’s needs.

Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Attorneys in Winter Park

If your loved one has been abused, neglected, or exploited in any way at a nursing home or assisted living facility, contact Hornsby Law Group right away at 407-499-8887 to discuss the details of the case with one of our firm’s experienced personal injury attorneys during your free initial consultation.