Fairfax Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers

Defending Against Elder Abuse in Nursing Facilities

Choosing a nursing home for your loved one is a challenging decision. It becomes even more difficult when studies suggest that elder abuse is as prevalent as child abuse. However, there are ways to ensure your loved one's health and safety, and legal options are available if something goes wrong.

If you suspect abuse or neglect in a nursing home, Carroll & Nuttall, PLLC is here to help. Our team of aggressive and experienced litigators will not tolerate mistreatment in institutions that promise safety and well-being.

Call us at (703) 952-5801 to fight for the justice you and your loved ones deserve.

Types of Elder Abuse in Nursing Homes

Caregivers can harm and exploit older adults in various ways, ranging from physical abuse to financial manipulation. The main forms of nursing home abuse include:

• Physical abuse: Inflicting bodily harm through hitting, pushing, slapping, or restraining an older adult against their will.
• Emotional/psychological abuse: Yelling, threatening, using hurtful words, repeatedly ignoring, or isolating an older adult from friends and family.
• Neglect: Failing to meet an older adult's basic needs, withholding food, medication, sanitation, or access to healthcare.
• Abandonment: Leaving a vulnerable older adult alone or without supervision, depriving them of necessary assistance.
• Sexual abuse: Subjecting an older adult to unwanted touching, sexual attention, or forcing them to witness or engage in sexual acts.
• Financial abuse: Stealing money or belongings, forging checks, mismanaging bank accounts, or changing legal documents without permission.

Instances of nursing home neglect and abuse often occur behind closed doors, underscoring the importance of remaining vigilant. Regular visits to your loved one are crucial for prevention and detection of nursing home abuse.

How to Spot Signs of Abuse in Nursing Homes

Detecting abuse can be challenging, but it's essential to watch for significant physical or emotional changes in your loved one. Signs of nursing home abuse may include:

• Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or scars
• Broken eyeglasses/frames
• Weight loss
• Bed sores
• Poor hygiene (unwashed hair or dirty clothes)
• Hazardous, unsafe, or unclean living conditions
• Withdrawn, agitated, or depressed mood
• Violent outbursts
• Rocking back and forth
• Trouble sleeping
• Unpaid bills despite adequate financial resources
• Sudden financial changes

If you notice any of these signs, talk to your loved one, keeping in mind they may be afraid or unable to ask for help. Never trust a nursing home that denies you alone time with your loved one.

You have the right to hold nursing home staff accountable for any abuse suffered by you or your loved one.

Consequences of Nursing Home Abuse

Elder abuse can cause physical and psychological harm to aging adults. In addition to physical injuries, it can lead to fear, anxiety, trust issues, and mental health conditions. Tragically, elder abuse can even lead to premature death.

If you suspect nursing home abuse, immediate action is crucial.

Contact Our Fairfax Elder Abuse Lawyers for Immediate Help

At Carroll & Nuttall, PLLC, we refuse to tolerate nursing home neglect and abuse, and we encourage you to do the same. When you reach out to us, our compassionate attorneys will listen attentively before applying our expertise to your case. We can help remove your loved one from dangerous situations, gather evidence, and hold the perpetrators accountable. Additionally, we can assist you in pursuing the compensation your family needs to recover from this tragedy.

We genuinely care about our community and your well-being. Join us in making Fairfax and its surrounding areas safer and better for older adults. Contact Carroll & Nuttall, PLLC today.

Call us at (703) 952-5801 or contact us online today.