Honor Your Father and Mother.
ATHENS, GEORGIA
NURSING HOME LIABILITY
ATTORNEYS
VIGILANT NURSING HOME ABUSE ATTORNEYS
"Honor your father and mother." How we care for our elders speaks volumes about our character as a society. Later in life, taking this command seriously and loving our parents, we do our best to make suitable arrangements when our parents must depend on others. You and your family make the difficult decision to place a loved one in a nursing home or assisted living facility, trusting that it will be a caring and professional environment. When this trust is violated, and injury or death follows from negligence or abuse, you need an attorney who will seek answers and accountability. It is unacceptable to put profit before patient safety, and nursing homes cannot be allowed to take short cuts on staffing, training, supervision, or regulations in a way that jeopardizes the health or lives of our most vulnerable.
Whether your family's case deals with a fall, inattention to infections and bed sores, not properly caring for Alzheimer’s or dementia patients, cutting corners on staff or training, or even a case of intentional abuse from employees who never should have been hired in the first place, call on an experienced attorney for your family's case. If you suspect that a loved one might be a victim of nursing home negligence, do not hesitate to seek the guidance and advice from a nursing home abuse attorney.
Physical Abuse
As our Athens, Georgia nursing home liability lawyers can explain, any type of physical contact that results in injury, whether it is unintentional or not, is considered physical abuse. The perpetrators of the abuse could be caregivers, doctors, or other residents. Examples of physical abuse include hitting, pinching, slapping, grabbing, shoving, pushing, punching, or overuse of physical restraints. Physical abuse can also entail sexual assault and abuse, which is any nonconsensual or unwanted act that is forced on them. If you think your loved one could be the victim of abuse, contact us at Norris Injury Law immediately.
Emotional Abuse
Mental or emotional abuse can be damaging to the victim, and cause conditions such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Just because an injury may not have physical symptoms doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be taken seriously. Emotional abuse incidents can have a physical aspect, but not always. Examples of ways that a senior person may suffer from emotional abuse at a nursing home include yelling, swearing, humiliating, belittling, patronizing, name-calling, dismissing, embarrassing, insulting, and attempts to control, isolate, or manipulate.
Abandonment
Abandonment happens when someone is purposefully deserted by someone who should have been caring for them. Elder abandonment can entail discharging a senior person from a facility without ensuring that their future care is attended to. The caregivers at the facility are responsible for patient care, and actions that neglect or abandon that duty may warrant filing legal action against the offender and the facility itself. Residents who are unable to care for themselves due to mental or physical limitations are particularly vulnerable to harm if abandoned.
Neglect
Neglect is considered a form of abuse where someone’s basic care needs have not been met. Instances of neglect could be failing to help a resident with hygienic needs, not attending to their nutritional or physical health, failing to provide for their medical needs, and not protecting them against safety risks or hazards. If you are worried that your loved one is receiving subpar care in the nursing home facility they live in, we urge you to reach out to our Athens nursing home liability lawyers now so we can intervene. Time is of the essence, as to prevent further incidents from happening.
Financial Exploitation
Some of the caregivers at the nursing home could have access to a resident’s personal information, such as their finances. If you observe odd transactions or transfers of money that are unlike your loved one to do, then financial exploitation at the hands of caregivers could be the culprit. It’s an unfortunate fact that not everyone treats others with the respect they deserve, so much so to where abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation can happen.
Anyone who is concerned for their senior relative’s wellbeing while living in a nursing home is advised to contact our Athens nursing home liability lawyers from Norris Injury Law as soon as possible. Realizing that our loved one may be in danger is a scary thing to imagine, but it is a reality for some senior people. If you think your senior relative may need help, we are ready to take your call.
Getting A Lawyer For Nursing Home Neglect
Athens, Georgia nursing home liability lawyers can help if you suspect your loved one is suffering from neglect at a nursing facility. Read on for an FAQ about some signs of nursing home abuse, and get in touch with Norris Injury Law for a free consultation.
What Are Some Signs Of Neglect?
Neglect takes many forms, and it can seriously affect the health and wellbeing of your loved one. In some cases, neglect can result in physical injuries or infections, while in other cases it can lead to depression, weight loss, and an all-around change of mood.
It’s important to look out for any kind preventable injury when you visit your loved one. And keep an eye on his or her weight to ensure your loved one is being fed and cared for properly. If you’re noticing your family member is unusually quiet or acting differently, you should try to talk to them in private to see if anything else is going on behind the scenes.
What Causes Malnutrition?
Malnutrition occurs when a person doesn’t get enough food, or isn’t getting food that’s nutritious enough. In some cases, it’s normal for elderly people to lose weight as they get older. We may lose our taste for certain foods, or we may take medication that makes certain foods taste unpleasant.
In other cases, such as with those recovering from a stroke, it may be physically difficult to eat certain foods. Nursing home staff should help maintain a proper and healthy diet. Unfortunately, not all nursing homes are as committed to health and wellness as they should be.
How Can I Tell If My Loved One Is Experiencing Malnutrition?
Malnutrition is one of the most obvious signs of nursing home neglect. Be on the lookout for any injuries that are slow to heal, and check the fit of your loved one’s clothing. If his or her clothes are unusually loose, they may not be getting fed enough.
Malnutrition is dangerous for elderly family members. In some cases, they may just have less of an appetite due to advanced age - but don’t rule out neglect as a possibility. Get in touch with Athens nursing home liability lawyers to learn more about your next steps.
What Are Bedsores?
Bedsores, also known as pressure ulcers, are skin injuries that are caused by long term pressure being applied to bony areas of the body. When a patient moves after remaining in place for a long time, the bone may actually shear or tear the skin, resulting in painful injuries.
Bedsores are another sign of nursing home neglect, and if left untreated they can be a source of infection. They’re an easily preventable injury, and your loved one shouldn’t experience bedsores if he or she has access to attentive nursing home staff.
What Should I Look For In A Nursing Home Lawyer?
There are many nursing home lawyers in Georgia, but only a few have the dedication and experience that can help with your case. It’s important to look for a lawyer that offers free consultations, and a firm with plenty of experience in nursing home neglect and abuse.
If you think a loved one is experiencing neglect at his or her nursing home, get in touch with the Athens nursing home liability lawyers at Norris Injury Law today.
Athens Nursing Home Liability Laws
When it comes to the care and well-being of our elderly loved ones, nursing homes and long-term care facilities are expected to provide a safe and nurturing environment. However, if you suspect that your loved one has suffered harm or neglect in a nursing home, it's essential to understand the specific laws that govern nursing home liability in Georgia. At Norris Injury Law, our team of Athens, Georgia nursing home liability lawyers is here to guide you through this complex legal landscape while advocating for your loved one's rights and well-being. If you believe that your elderly loved one is in need of representation, reach out to us immediately for help.
Georgia Nursing Home Residents' Bill Of Rights
In Georgia, nursing home residents are entitled to certain rights and protections under the Nursing Home Residents' Bill of Rights. These rights include the right to:
- Be treated with dignity and respect
- Be informed about their medical condition and treatment
- Participate in their own care planning
- Voice grievances without fear of retaliation
- Be free from physical or chemical restraints, except when medically necessary
Understanding these rights is vital when assessing whether a nursing home has violated its obligations to residents. If a nursing home does anything to harm your loved one in any way, it is important to know your legal options which is why you should contact Athens nursing home liability lawyers for help.
Nursing Home Negligence And Abuse
Nursing home liability can arise from various forms of negligence and abuse, including:
- Neglect: Failure to provide adequate care, resulting in physical harm or deterioration of health.
- Physical Abuse: Any intentional use of force that causes physical harm, injury, or pain to a resident.
- Emotional Abuse: Infliction of emotional or psychological distress through intimidation, humiliation, or verbal abuse.
- Financial Exploitation: Misuse or theft of a resident's financial assets, property, or personal belongings.
- Medical Negligence: Substandard medical care or medication errors that harm a resident.
Liability Laws In Georgia
Nursing home liability in Georgia can be complex, and it's essential to understand the following legal aspects:
- Standard of Care: Nursing homes are required to adhere to a standard of care that ensures residents' safety and well-being. Violations of this standard can lead to liability. This can look like a variety of things from responding to patient calls for help in a timely manner to providing nutritious food options.
- Negligence Claims: Nursing home liability often involves negligence claims. To establish negligence, it must be proven that the facility breached its duty of care, which resulted in harm to the resident.
- Statute of Limitations: There is a statute of limitations for nursing home liability claims in Georgia, generally two years from the date of the injury. Failing to file within this timeframe may result in the loss of your right to seek compensation.
How Liability Lawyers Can Help
Navigating nursing home liability laws in Athens can be overwhelming, especially when your loved one's well-being is at stake. At Norris Injury Law, our Athens nursing home liability lawyers are dedicated to helping you understand these laws and holding negligent facilities accountable for their actions.
If you suspect that your loved one has suffered harm or neglect in a nursing home, we encourage you to reach out to us today for a consultation. Our experienced attorneys will not only provide expert legal guidance but also work tirelessly to investigate the circumstances, gather evidence, and advocate for your loved one's rights.
Your loved one deserves to live in a safe and nurturing environment. Let us be your advocates in pursuing justice and ensuring their well-being. Contact us today, and let's work together to protect your loved one's rights and dignity.
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