People in Philadelphia trust nursing homes for their elderly family members, especially when practical constraints make it impossible to offer round-the-clock care at home. Unfortunately, numerous cases of nursing home abuse have been reported in the last few years. From substandard care to physical harm, the claims are far and wide. If your vulnerable loved one was abused or neglected at a nursing home, you need to take immediate steps. You have the choice to file a claim and recover a settlement, and many top firms in Philadelphia, such as Quinn Law Group, LLC, offer free consultations for families. In this guide, let’s discuss more about nursing home abuse.
Noticing the signs
There are telltale signs of nursing home abuse, including –
- General decline in physical health: If you visited your family member in a nursing home and saw a decline in their health, you should ask questions. Look out for signs of dehydration and malnutrition, along with weight loss and overall weakness.
- Bedsores and infections: Anyone who cannot move around independently are always susceptible to bedsores, which are usually preventable with proper care and hygiene practices. Bedsores could be a sign of abuse. Similarly, if your loved one has been getting frequent infections, such as respiratory infections, UTIs, and skin infections, you should ask questions.
- Falls: Elderly people need care around the clock and continued supervision, which are the primary reasons why family members choose nursing homes. However, when your loved one has suffered falls, you should check if that is related to limited supervision or unsafe conditions.
- Mental health issues: Neglect and abuse can eventually impact the mental well-being of a person, and you may notice signs of depression, stress, and anxiety.
Other signs include worsening of existing conditions or even death.
Steps to take
What can you do when your loved one is a possible victim of nursing home abuse? Firstly, communicate with them regularly and ask questions. If you suspect something is wrong, you can seek an independent evaluation from another medical expert. Follow up with the nursing home and make it clear that you have a suspicion. You can also report concerns directly to the accountable manager or the staff. Collect all the medical records, including pictures of their injuries and living conditions. If you have witnesses or can get other residents to talk, take their contact details.
Meeting a nursing home abuse attorney in Philadelphia
Not all injury lawyers in Philadelphia take up nursing home abuse cases, and it is imperative that you do detailed research before choosing one. Hiring an attorney gives you the chance to understand the laws and evaluate your legal options. An attorney will start by hearing your story and evaluating all the evidence they have. They will also investigate the accident in detail and gather evidence from as many sources as possible. Also, the attorney will check whether the same nursing home has similar cases filed against them. Along with all that, they will determine the damages you can recover and help with settlement negotiations.
Can you afford an injury lawyer in Philadelphia?
Yes, you can! Hiring an injury lawyer to handle your nursing home abuse case in Philadelphia doesn’t have to cost anything. There are lawyers and firms who work on contingency, which means they don’t get a retainer or an hourly rate. Instead, they fight for your loved one and recover a settlement, following which they get a share of it.
Instead of guessing what your case is worth, meet a nursing home abuse attorney in Philadelphia to know where you stand. They will also guide you on the dos and don’ts as you proceed further.