When our loved ones get older, it may be apparent that they may need help in maintaining their health and wellbeing. For some, this may result in caregivers visiting them in their home throughout the week or having people there for care. Another option may be to have your loved one live in a home where they can receive 24/7 care in an environment that will allow them to have a high quality and dignified life. However, if your loved one is in an abusive or negligent nursing home, their health and even their life could be in danger. You can hold the negligent nursing home accountable for their actions with a Pascagoula nursing home abuse lawyer from Corban Gunn, Attorney at Law as your representation.
Our firm helps seniors get the justice they deserve. Pascagoula and Mississippi seniors who live in nursing homes deserve respect and proper care. When a nursing home isn’t capable of providing this care or has abusive staff members, they should be held accountable for the harm that comes to your loved one.
When seniors face abuse, their health can rapidly decline. It’s essential to catch the abuse as quickly as possible so they can get to a safe environment. Let’s go over how to recognize if your loved one is being mistreated.
Recognizing the Signs of Elder Abuse and Neglect
As you’re visiting your loved one, there are several signs that may indicate your loved one is being abused or neglected. There are many different types of abuse, so there are a few types of signs that go with them. Keep an eye out for the following signs of nursing home abuse:
- Injuries. While an occasional bruise may happen, having constant injuries is not normal. If your loved one has bruises, welts, cuts, or more serious injuries like broken bones on a regular basis, then this may be a sign of physical abuse. A staff member could be intentionally hurting your loved one from handling them too roughly, hitting, kicking, or shoving.
- Change in Demeanor. You know how your loved one usually acts. If they seem to be uncharacteristically withdrawn, scared, quiet, or down, then they may be dealing with emotional or psychological abuse. Staff may be rude or belittle your loved one, which can have a negative effect on their sense of self. Keeping your loved one from the activities or from socializing with other residents can make them feel isolated.
- Soiled Clothing. If your loved one is in dirty clothes or bed sheets, then the home may not be able to take care of them on a regular basis.
- Poor Hygiene. Noticing bad breath, a foul body odor, or other signs from lack of daily hygiene routines can indicate your loved one isn’t getting the help they need to keep up with these important tasks.
- Unexplained Weight Loss. Rapid weight loss can show they’re not getting the nutrition they need on a regular basis. Seniors need a healthy diet to maintain muscle, strengthen their immune system, and to feel healthy and strong.
- Dehydration. Staying hydrated is essential to everyone’s health. Sometimes, seniors may not be able to get themselves a drink when they’re thirsty or may not remember to stay hydrated. The nursing home should take measures to make sure your loved one is hydrated regularly. Dehydration can cause headaches, weakness, low blood pressure, and affect the kidneys.
If your loved one needs immediate help, calling 911 is the best way to ensure their safety. Once your loved one is safe, then you can take measures to hold the nursing home accountable for the abuse and neglect.
How Can a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Help Your Loved One?
Going up against an institution like a nursing home can be intimidating. They may try to claim the harm your loved one suffered wasn’t their fault or wasn’t as severe as you say. The best way to protect your loved one and to have a strong claim is with an experienced Pascagoula nursing home abuse lawyer.
When we’re representing you, we’ll investigate the abuse your loved one endured. Looking into medical records, speaking to any witnesses, and analyzing the physical evidence of what happened to your loved one will show what they suffered and may also point to the negligent party. Your attorney will assess your loved one’s economic and noneconomic damages, such as medical expenses and pain and suffering, and calculate a fair compensation amount.
As we fight for your loved one, we’ll work diligently to build a strong case. We’re also prepared to go to court if necessary. While you may feel nervous about going to this step, this can be the best way for your loved one to get the full compensation they deserve.
In some cases, you may have lost your loved one because of negligence or abuse. You can still seek justice for them with a wrongful death claim. Our wrongful death lawyers will stand at your side and help you and your family during this difficult time. We’ll fight for you to recover for funeral and burial expenses, medical expenses, pain and suffering, loss of guidance, and other losses that apply to your case.
While it may seem like this isn’t the time to deal with a legal claim, securing your family’s financial future and showing the nursing home the consequences of their negligence may offer you peace of mind and room to grieve for your loved one.
Corban Gunn, Attorney at Law Is Here for You
When you’re going to file a personal injury claim, it’s important to start as soon as possible. Waiting too long could put your case beyond the statute of limitations, which may render you ineligible to recover damages. In Mississippi, you have three years to come forward with a nursing home abuse claim.
Acting quickly will help preserve evidence for your case and you’ll begin the legal process, which can take time before a resolution is reached. Our lawyers are ready to help you. Contact Corban Gunn, Attorney at Law today.
