What Families Should Know Before Calling Lawyers for Nursing Home Neglect

All senior care facility residents are entitled to optimal attention and medical treatment. However, not all such environments are up to par. If you believe your loved one is suffering from elder abuse or mistreatment, it’s time to consult lawyers for nursing home neglect. 

Discover some common aspects of an elder neglect lawsuit and how an attorney can help you hold the appropriate parties responsible. 

Determining Abuse vs. Neglect in a Care Facility

Before seeking senior care legal help, it’s important to decipher the type of mistreatment that may be going on at a given facility. The intentions and actions of the staff determine whether you’re dealing with a case of senior abuse or neglect. What’s the difference between the two?

Both scenarios prevent patients from receiving basic care, though the intention of the perpetrator varies. Defendants in abuse cases act with malice toward one or multiple patients. In neglect cases, the defendant may unintentionally fail to meet the patient’s needs due to other circumstances.

An elder abuse attorney can review the potential penalties for perpetrators in these cases. They’ll also share what you can expect when filing a lawsuit against a staff member or the entire organization. 

Recognize Signs of Nursing Home Neglect

How can you tell when to call lawyers for nursing home neglect? Don’t act without having evidence on your side. Understand the signs of general neglect, plus physical and emotional abuse among elderly residents, including:

• Poor hygiene: When staff don’t help residents bathe or keep them active, they could incur bedsores and see a noticeable decline in overall hygiene.
• Weight loss: Many neglected patients don’t receive the proper nutrients in their diet, which can cause extreme weight loss and frailty.
• Cuts or physical wounds: Look out for strange bruises, cuts, or other wounds on your loved one. These injuries could stem from physical abuse by other residents or staff members in their care facility. 
• Behavioral changes: Neglected patients may become emotionally withdrawn or angry and irritable. Take note of any abnormal changes in their demeanor. 
• Limited communication: It’s possible that staff will refuse to allow residents to interact with visitors unsupervised. This could be out of fear that the residents will disclose instances of abuse to outsiders. 
• Unacceptable living conditions: Contact a nursing home abuse lawyer if you find that the care facility has unsafe living conditions, such as a lack of heating or an unsanitary water supply.

Try Alleviating the Problem Before Contacting a Nursing Home Injury Lawyer

Lawyers for nursing home neglect can help you hold the appropriate parties accountable for your loved one’s mistreatment. However, you can advocate for residents by speaking with an administrator about your concerns. Gather evidence, such as photos of unsafe conditions or a resident’s physical injuries. You may even file a complaint with state authorities in an attempt to sort out the issue. 

If you wish to seek financial compensation for your relative’s abuse or neglect, connect with a legal professional. Lawsuit settlements often include damages for the victim’s pain and suffering, as well as medical expenses and even punitive damages. 

Consult Our Experienced Lawyers for Nursing Home Neglect

Few situations are as heartbreaking as witnessing elder abuse or neglect. Don’t let your loved one suffer from such mistreatment — contact our lawyers for nursing home neglect to explore your legal options. At Cantor, Wolff, Nicastro & Hall LLC, we uncover sufficient evidence and build strong cases for our clients. 

Are you ready to discuss your options? Submit our online form or call our office at 716-848-8000 to schedule a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are common signs of nursing home neglect?

A: Signs include poor hygiene, unexplained weight loss, cuts or wounds, behavioral changes, limited communication with visitors, and unacceptable living conditions.

Q: What is the difference between elder abuse and neglect?

A: Abuse involves intentional harm, while neglect may involve unintentional failure to meet a resident’s needs due to circumstances.

Q: What can I do before contacting lawyers for nursing home neglect?

A: Speak with facility administrators, gather evidence, and file complaints with state authorities. You can also contact lawyers to seek financial compensation for mistreatment.