Bethesda, MD Nursing Home Lawyers
Unfortunately, the answer to this question is yes, people are abused in short-term care nursing homes and there continues to be the need for good Bethesda, MD nursing home lawyers. The injuries and damages that this kind of abuse cause can leave permanent physical and emotional scars that cannot be healed. When a person cannot speak for themselves or does not have access to the proper authorities to get help and/or cannot physically defend themselves against an abusive caregiver, the innocent victim needs someone who is aware of the problem advocating for them and ensuring that they are removed from the abusive situation.
If you suspect that someone you love is being abused in their short-term care nursing home it is important that you find a way to get them out of the dangerous situation they are in. If they are already in a safe place, it is still important to protect their rights by making sure that they are compensated for the damages their abusive “caregiver” caused; and to make sure that all costs related to trying to heal and ensure a safe future for the victim, are taken care of before it’s too late.
A good place to begin doing this is by discussing your and your loved one’s situation with Bethesda, MD nursing home lawyers. The sooner you do this the sooner your loved one’s rights may begin to be protected.
What are signs of nursing home abuse and neglect?
There are many different physical signs of nursing home neglect and abuse as well signs of non-physical abuse that may also be indications of nursing home abuse. Physical abuse can include sexual abuse. Some of the non-physical kinds of abuse can be hard to be aware of especially when someone you love is already unwell and not communicating with you the way they used to. A good resource for helping you to understand the signs of nursing home abuse, are lawyers who are familiar with nursing home abuse in Bethesda and throughout MD.
Signs that your loved one may be neglected or abused include but are not limited to:
- Bed sores
- Cuts, scrapes, bruises
- Broken or fractured bones
- Torn and/or stained clothing
- Changes in mood and/or temperament
- Depression, anxiety, fearfullness, confusion, etc.
- Unusual behavior such as rocking, moaning, thumb sucking, cowering, etc.
- Possessions and/or money disappearing
- Malnutrition
- Not taking medication properly
- Medicating to sedate a patient when unnecessary
- Broken glasses
- Signs of restraints being used (such as marks on wrists or ankles, etc.)
- Genital infections (such as bladder or yeast)
- Unexplained STDs
- Nursing home staff will not let close relatives and friends be alone with the Patient
- Bruises near the genitals or breasts
- Belittling, controlling or threatening behavior on the part of the caregiver (even if the patient has a condition that makes them hard to control)
If you have noticed that your loved one displays any of the above signs of abuse or ones not mentioned here, it is important to make sure that they are safe and protected as soon as possible. A good way to start doing this is to enlist the help of Bethesda, MD nursing home lawyers who are familiar with abusive and neglectful nursing homes in the Bethesda area.
For highly rated Bethesda, MD nursing home lawyers at a law firm that has been in the business of successfully protecting the rights of injured people in MD, DC, and VA for over 25 years, contact Cohen & Cohen today for a free case consultation and evaluation.
