Legal Services for Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect Litigation

Neglect and abuse of the elderly in understaffed nursing homes and other poorly funded assisted living facilities are unfortunately all too common. At Owens, Mixon, Heller & Smith, P.A., we are committed to seeking recovery from nursing homes for elderly and handicapped clients and their families who have entrusted their care to someone else.

All too often, nursing home facilities are understaffed and what little staff they do employ is overworked. Nursing homes are also businesses and therefore are usually concerned more with making a profit than they are about caring for you or your loved one. We believe that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect and that is why we will use our knowledge to ensure that your loved ones receive the kind of professional care you expect.

Warning Signs of Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect

Some signs of abuse or neglect may be obvious, such as unexplained bruising, severe weight loss, bed sores, or other physical injuries. However, other forms of abuse or neglect are much more difficult to detect.

Bed Sores

A person who is bedridden and cannot move needs to be turned about every two hours to avoid developing bed sores. You might find bed sores on a resident’s legs, feet or buttocks.

Malnutrition or Dehydration

Some residents cannot feed themselves properly. Generally, any weight loss of more than ten (10) pounds should concern you. Other symptoms may include not being able to stay awake, multiple urinary tract infections, severe weight loss, and parched lips.

Wandering

Some residents may be forgetful and will walk aimlessly around the facility. A nursing home should monitor these people to make sure they are not a danger to themselves or others.

Abuse

The nursing home must make sure that its facility provides a safe environment. Unexplained cuts or bruising, including restraint marks, and the sudden firing of a staff member may be an indicator that something unusual is happening.

Some other warning signs to watch for are:

• Medication errors, including deliberate overmedication
• Broken bones
• Torn clothing or broken personal items
• Poor personal hygiene
• Untreated health problems
• Odors of urine or feces
• Secondary illnesses or infections resulting from abuse or neglect
• Nursing Facility’s inability to explain elder’s condition
• Caregiver’s refusal to allow visitors to see elder alone

What Should I Do if I Suspect Nursing Home Abuse is Taking Place?

The first thing you should do is seek medical attention for your loved ones right away. Then, make sure to gather any documentation or evidence that you may have of the possible abuse or neglect. Next, contact one of our experienced injury attorneys for a free consultation. We will be able to talk with you and determine what your options are about filing a claim.

If you feel that your loved one has shown some signs of nursing home abuse or neglect, it is important to contact us right away. This way we can begin the process of helping you and your loved one as soon as possible.