Nursing home abuse and neglect can cause serious injuries and death for residents. Families may not be aware that someone is abusing their loved one in a long-term care facility. Nursing home injuries may be the first sign of abuse or neglect. Below are common nursing home injuries that could indicate your loved one is the victim of abuse or neglect in a nursing home.

Nursing Home Injuries You Need to Question

Nursing home patients can sustain a variety of injuries from abuse and neglect.

Common nursing home injuries that could indicate your loved one is being neglected include:
  • Bedsores
  • Poor personal care and hygiene
  • Malnutrition
  • Dehydration
  • Sudden weight loss
  • Infections
Nursing home injuries that could indicate physical abuse include:
  • Lacerations
  • Bruising and welts
  • Broken bones
  • Sexually transmitted diseases
  • Fractures
  • Head injuries
  • Bruising around the ankles or wrists
  • Concussion
  • Spinal injuries
  • Burns

The above lists do not include all signs of abuse or neglect of nursing home patients. Abused or neglected nursing home residents may also show signs of depression, anxiety, withdrawal, mood changes, and increased cognitive impairments.

Any nursing home injuries or unexplained conditions can indicate abuse. Family members who believe their loved one is being abused in a nursing home may need to take immediate action.

Steps to Take If You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse

If you believe your family member is in immediate danger, call 911 to report the abuse. You can file a complaint about a facility through the Louisiana Department of Health in non-emergency situations.

In some cases, you may want to take your loved one to a doctor not affiliated with the nursing home for an evaluation. A doctor can provide medical information that can be helpful if you pursue a nursing home abuse claim. In drastic situations, you may need to find alternative care for your loved one.

You may also want to contact an attorney for help. A New Orleans nursing home abuse lawyer can help you take the necessary steps to protect your loved one. When you discover nursing home abuse, it can be difficult to think clearly. The anger and grief can be overwhelming. The attorney can help you develop an action plan that protects your loved one and seeks to hold the nursing home and other parties liable for the abuse.

Hold The Parties Responsible for Elder Abuse Accountable

Who is Responsible for Nursing Home Abuse?

There could be several parties who are responsible for the abuse of a nursing home resident. The person committing the abuse could be charged with a crime and held liable in civil court for damages caused by the abuse. Supervisors who knew about the abuse or neglect and did nothing to stop it could also be held liable.

The owners and operators of the long-term care facility may also be liable for damages in a nursing home lawsuit. Ultimately, the owners and operators of the nursing home must protect the residents from abuse and neglect. When they are negligent or commit intentional wrongdoing, such as covering up abuse, they can be held liable for damages alongside the person who committed the abuse.

Contact a New Orleans Nursing Home Abuse Attorney for More Information

Protecting your loved one is your first priority. However, you also want to seek justice for your loved one and others who might be the victims of abuse or neglect in a nursing home or long-term care facility. Filing a nursing home lawsuit is one way to gain more attention to the problem faced by many elderly patients and their families.

Call Attorney Fred Olinde of The Olinde Firm at (504) 587-1440 or 1-800-587-1889 to schedule a free consultation with a New Orleans nursing home abuse lawyer.