Abuse of nursing home elderly patients in America is a cause for great concern. The situation is so acute that investigators report an estimated 2.1 million elderly seniors in nursing homes are faced with abuse of some kind every year in America. That statistic is troubling and intolerable in American society. You should immediately report any sign of abuse inflicted upon your elderly relative who resides in a nursing home. Contact a nursing home attorney to represent you in seeking legal damages for any suffering your relative has endured.
Be it a criminal or civil case proceeding, hiring an attorney to represent you is the right decision to make.
Unreported Nursing Home Abuses Exceed Reported Abuse Cases
Research information notes that many more nursing home abuse cases go unreported than the cases of abuse that are actually reported. This makes the depravity of the acts visited upon docile and suffering elderly patients more tragic. The physical and emotional abuse that the elderly suffer is compounded by the categories of abuse that they endure.
They are abused emotionally and sexually, as well, according to reports. Neglect of care causes psychological issues, and financial demands made by con artists frighten the frail elderly.
Elderly Abused Seniors Die Earlier Than Patients Who Are Not Abused
Researchers confirm that elderly seniors who have been abused die earlier than a similar group of patients who receive excellent care. The abused patients reportedly die though they exhibit no documented chronic or other life-threatening medical conditions other than abuse and neglect.
If an elderly relative becomes withdrawn or appears to be sad and in a depressed state, try to learn what has brought about such a dramatic change. Engage your relative and try to find out the reason for the change of mood. Be gentle in drawing out this information since abused nursing home patients may feel powerless and ashamed over what has happened to them.
Examine Your Elderly Relative's Body for Signs of Abuse
Experts advise that you should check your relative's body to see if there are signs of bruises or broken bones. Examine bed linen and items of clothing for evidence of blood that could have been caused by weapons such as a fist or other instrument.
Definitely check your relative's genitals for tears in flesh and evidence of recent bleeding. Once you have that evidence, contact an experienced nursing home abuse attorney and request representation. Having an attorney makes it that much easier for investigation to be promptly initiated.
Allow Your Nursing Home Attorney to Negotiate Settlement with Nursing Home
Never reach a settlement with a nursing home administrator who offers compensation for what has happened to your abused relative. Contact and advise your attorney about any compensatory offer you receive from a nursing home administrator. Your attorney acts as the counsel for your relative. A nursing home attorney works solely for the interest of you and your loved nursing home relative.
For more help, contact a company like The Jaklitsch Law Group with any questions you have.
