What Is Considered a Nursing Home Injury?

A senior adult and their family may choose to seek assisted or nursing home care due to age or health. The decision to leave one’s home and enter a community environment is not an easy one, and this requires a great amount of trust in the establishment and its caregivers. However, this trust can be abused, and the senior’s wellbeing may be placed in the wrong hands. If you notice signs of possible nursing home abuse or can confirm injury at the hands of the caregivers, you should seek the aid of an experienced attorney in Louisiana. Learn more about how the injury lawyers at Mansfield Melancon Cranmer & Dick (MMCD) can help with your case.

What Actions Qualify as Elder Abuse?

Unfortunately, nursing home abuse is not as uncommon as you might expect. In fact, one in six people over the age of 60 experience community elder abuse annually. And, this has only increased during the past year’s pandemic. But what actions or injuries can be considered a nursing home injury?

• Emotional or physical neglect, including ignoring the senior’s basic needs of hygiene, nutrition, and medical assistance.
• Psychological abuse from verbal or non-verbal threats and violence.
• Financial abuse, ranging from unauthorized use of funds or belongings.
• Physical abuse through violent or forceful acts of trauma, such as slapping or kicking.
• Sexual abuse or harassment, whether this is unwanted contact or no contact at all.

These elderly victims may undergo abuse without reaching out for help. This can be due to fear, manipulation, or even physical or mental impairment. You may notice cuts and bruises on the senior citizen, but not all indicators of abuse can be easily seen. Make sure to pay attention to the signs of negligence, including dehydration, malnutrition, infections, withdrawal, and other similar signs. Without intervention, this abuse can lead to serious physical or emotional trauma, financial loss, or even loss of life. If you suspect a loved one is suffering from nursing home abuse or shows signs of injury, contact an attorney in Louisiana as soon as possible. We are prepared to investigate your case and help file a solid claim against the abusers.

How Can You Prevent Abuse?

Noticing and preventing nursing home abuse isn’t always simple. But it is possible! After placing a loved one in a nursing home or assisted care facility, make sure to visit them regularly. Not only is this beneficial for their emotional wellbeing, but it also helps you keep track of their health. Communicate regularly with the senior adult and their caregivers to be aware of any challenges or negativities that may be present. Provide encouragement and support to caregivers who may be especially stressed or burdened. And of course, notice any physical or emotional signs of neglect or abuse. 

Report your suspicions or confirmed abuse to your nursing home injury attorney from our Louisiana law firm immediately. If you fear that the resident is in a life-threatening situation, contact law enforcement right away. And, reach out to other sources and hotlines for Louisiana residents to report elder abuse.

Here’s How a Nursing Home Injury Attorney in Louisiana Can Help

The attorneys at Mansfield Melancon Cranmer & Dick serve the people of Louisiana with effective, compassionate care for personal injury cases. While you focus on recovering physically and emotionally from injury, we can take care of the details of your claim and communicate with insurance companies, law enforcement, and more. From car accidents to nursing home abuse and family law, we are prepared to help 24 hours a day. Get in touch with us for a free consultation by scheduling with us online or calling 888-601-0127! Let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.