When we entrust the care of our family members or loved ones to a nursing home, we rightly expect they will receive adequate care and be treated with dignity, respect, and kindness. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, and many thousands of people become victims of elder abuse each year.
It can be heartbreaking to discover a family member has suffered harm from the people entrusted and paid to look after them. The consequences for the victims can be devastating—or even fatal in the worst cases. If you or a loved one has sustained harm in this manner, our Hyattsville nursing home abuse lawyers at the Adam Smallow Injury Lawyers could help you recover the justice and compensation you deserve. For more information contact our Hyattsville personal injury lawyer.
It Can Be Difficult to Know How to Help an Elderly Person Suffering Abuse
The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services defines elder abuse as “any knowing, intentional, or negligent act by a caregiver or any other person that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to a vulnerable adult.”
Nursing home abuse can cause severe physical injuries and psychological harm. Violations of older people’s human rights within a care setting can take many forms, such as:
- Physical abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Financial abuse
- Neglect of a resident’s health and well-being
- Abandonment
Once you discover your family member has suffered from nursing home abuse, you might not know what to do as a family member to stop the abuse and protect your loved one. However, our nursing home abuse lawyer serving Hyattsville can help you hold the people responsible for harming your loved one to account for their negligence.
Contact Us Today And Take The First Step Towards Justice In Your Case! Call (410)777-8960
What to Do If You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect
If you are worried about the care of a family member in a nursing home, it can help to follow the guidance below. However, if you are concerned for their immediate safety, contact the local police for assistance.
Talk to Your Loved One
If possible, talk to your loved one in private where they feel comfortable speaking freely. Offering to help, being in regular contact, and providing reassurance will comfort your elderly loved one. In addition, make notes about when you first noticed negative changes in as much detail as possible.
If there is physical evidence of abuse, take photographs (with consent) and gather information about what happened, when, and who is involved. You can use this evidence in an insurance claim or lawsuit against the facility.
It can also be beneficial to have frequent calls and visits with your loved one or have family members or friends do the same.
Talk to the Nursing Home Administrator
Voice your concerns about your loved one to the nursing home or care facility administrator and ask them about their formal complaint procedure. In addition, find out how they intend to investigate and remedy the issue. Finally, take notes of their response and mention that you will also seek advice from Maryland Adult Protective Services (APS).
Getting external support agencies involved can protect your loved one’s best interests pending ongoing investigations and prevent further harm.
Discuss Your Legal Options With a Nursing Home Abuse Attorney
Filing civil action against those responsible for the abuse can help ease the financial cost of making things right. Expenses can arise from any medical care or rehabilitation your loved one may require, along with relocation fees if they want to move to a different care facility. You could also claim other damages on your loved one’s behalf, such as their pain and suffering.
It can be challenging to prove nursing home abuse due to poorly documented incidents, communication issues, or nursing facility owners, defense attorneys, and insurance companies resisting the allegations. However, we can help you investigate what happened and gather the evidence required to support your case and hold those liable for your loved one’s injuries to account for their actions.
Our initial consultation is free, and we provide our services on a no-win, no-fee basis, meaning we don’t receive payment unless we recover compensation on behalf of your loved one.
Hyattsville Nursing Home Abuse Attorney (410)777-8960
We Can Help You Investigate Suspected Elder Abuse and Recover Compensation
We understand this is a tough time for you and your family, so our attorneys always strive to make the legal process straightforward. Therefore, we want to help you get the answers you deserve and fight for the compensation needed to help your loved one recover by providing the following services:
- Providing advice about your legal options and what to expect from the process
- Discussing and understanding your loved one’s immediate needs
- Investigating what happened and gathering evidence to support your case
- Accessing medical records and other supporting evidence that may be difficult to obtain
- Consulting with medical professionals who can offer expert testimony
- Identifying liable parties
- Assessing financial damages associated with the abuse
- Managing case administration and communications with all involved parties
- Providing advice about specialist support services
- Filing your case in line with Maryland’s statute of limitations (three years for most claims)
While compensation cannot undo the harm done, it can help cover the costs involved with medical bills and rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and the costs of relocating your loved one to an alternate care facility. It can also help prevent further cycles of abuse from occurring.
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We Champion the Rights of Older People Who Have Suffered Nursing Home Abuse
At MD Accident Law, our nursing home abuse lawyers serving Hyattsville are dedicated to stopping the cycles of elder abuse and neglect. We will work closely with you, your loved one, support agencies, and medical professionals to gather the evidence necessary to prove your case.
You and your loved one will receive support every step of the way. Along with phone and email contact, we provide our clients a number for 24/7 text communication, so we are always available to answer questions. So, call and schedule a free consultation with our team today to learn about your legal options.
Call or text (410)777-8960 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form