Victim of a nursing home abuse?

Nursing homes can perpetrate elder abuse or neglect in many ways. Abuse is defined as intentionally inflicting emotional or physical harm. Neglect involves the failure of caregivers to provide adequate care. When nursing homes fail to provide adequate staffing, surveillance, and training, residents can suffer from bedsores, falls, malnutrition, and dehydration. See the following examples of physical abuse and neglect:

Physical Abuse:

• Inappropriate Touching
• Pushing
• Slapping
• Punching
• Pinching
• Kicking

Neglect:

• Failing to provide proper dental care
• Failing to offer and/or help residents exercise
• Failing to regularly change residents’ linens
• Ignoring residents with limited mobility and/or failing to offer activities
• Failing to practice proper wound care
• Failing to assist residents with proper hygiene
• Failing to assist residents to use the restroom
• Failing to hydrate residents adequately
• Turning off a call light and taking no action upon the resident’s request

More than 40 percent of people over the age of 65 live in nursing homes. Although it may be hard to believe, research shows that 1 in 10 of these homes has violated federal standards and harmed residents. The actual number of abuse and neglect incidents is even higher—for every case reported to authorities, approximately five more are left unreported.

According to the US Department of Justice, the trauma of elder abuse can result in premature death, the deterioration of physical and psychological health, the destruction of social and familial ties, devastating financial loss, and more. Senior citizens can be mistreated in multiple settings (homes, nursing homes, assisted living facilities) by family members, friends and neighbors, professionals, and even strangers. The following factors increase the risk for elder abuse and neglect:

• Greater limitations in physical functioning
• Presence of cognitive impairment
• Behavioral symptoms including physical aggressiveness

Determining the value of a nursing home abuse claim can be complex and fact-specific. After a free, no-obligation consultation, our San Francisco nursing home abuse attorneys will help you to determine your next steps. Any guidance provided depends on the specific facts and does not guarantee an outcome. Your loved one’s safety and health are a priority, and your family should not struggle to pay their medical bills while focusing on their wellness.

Sweet James’s San Francisco nursing home abuse attorneys have the experience to pursue compensation under applicable laws.

It is critical to have your loved one’s injuries checked by professionals immediately after San Francisco nursing home abuse is found. Whether by ambulance, emergency room, urgent care facility or family doctor have all injuries examined immediately – don’t wait. As soon as your loved one is under medical care, you may consider contacting a San Francisco nursing home abuse attorney from Sweet James to discuss your situation.

After a loved one’s nursing home abuse injuries are identified, missing appointments for examinations, medical care, or therapy may negatively affect a claim. If your loved one doesn’t seek and follow prescribed medical care or therapy, insurance carriers may argue that your loved one’s injuries are less serious than you claim. Make getting their injuries healed and focusing on their medical recovery your priority. Your Sweet James San Francisco nursing home abuse attorneys can assist with the legal aspects of your San Francisco nursing home abuse lawsuit.

You do not have to speak with the nursing home’s insurance company. Speaking with the nursing home’s insurer without legal guidance may affect your claim. After seeking care for your loved one and notifying your insurance company of the San Francisco nursing home abuse, you may choose to have your Sweet James San Francisco nursing home abuse attorneys handle communications with insurance companies on your behalf, helping protect your rights and interests throughout the claims process.

Some individuals choose to consult a San Francisco nursing home attorney to better understand their rights and options. Outcomes depend on the facts of each case, and no result is guaranteed.

Deciding whether to consult a Sweet James San Francisco nursing home abuse attorney is a personal choice. Speaking with an attorney can help you understand your rights, options, and the potential benefits and risks involved before deciding how to proceed.

In a contingency fee arrangement, attorney fees are generally owed to a San Francisco nursing home abuse attorney only if a recovery is obtained. Fee arrangements are governed by applicable law and the specific terms of the attorney-client agreement.

Sweet James San Francisco nursing home abuse attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning attorneys’ fees are typically owed only if compensation is recovered, as provided in the signed fee agreement.

It’s important to remember that state laws impose a time limit on filing a San Francisco nursing home abuse claim. In California, victims’ families’ claims are generally subject to a statute of limitations, which sets the deadline for seeking compensation. Depending on the circumstances of the case, this deadline may be shorter in certain situations, such as when a government entity is involved, or longer in others.

Speaking with Sweet James San Francisco nursing home abuse attorneys may help you understand how these deadlines apply to your specific situation.

Nursing home abuse can cause serious injuries, mental problems, and loss of life. After nursing home abuse is detected, protect your loved one and preserve your claim for compensation:

• Report nursing home abuse, every state has an Adult Services Protection agency.
• If needed, remove your loved one from the facility.
• Collect documentation and medical records.
• Gather evidence, photos, and witness contact info.

Consider reaching out to Sweet James San Francisco nursing home abuse lawyers.