What Should I do if I Suspect My Loved One is Being Abused in a Nursing Home?

Serious injuries deserve experienced attorneys

Silver Spring MD nursing home lawyers

If you suspect that your loved one is being abused in a nursing home, it may be in your best interest to discuss your suspicions with Silver Spring, MD nursing home lawyers who are familiar with the unfortunate state of many Maryland nursing homes.

One of the most difficult decisions a family may have to make is whether or not to put their elderly loved one in a nursing home. This decision can be even more heartbreaking when the very place they have put their loved one in turns into a nightmare and their loved one becomes a victim of neglect or abuse.

At Cohen & Cohen, we advocate for victims and their families and work diligently to ensure that they get the justice they deserve. If you suspect or have discovered your loved one has been hurt, either emotionally or physically, contact our firm today to speak with one of our nursing home abuse lawyers who is licensed to practice in Silver Spring and throughout MD.

National Statistics

Each year, thousands of nursing home patients are victimized and far too often, the perpetrator of the abuse gets away with it. In many cases, the abuse or neglect is never discovered and the elderly patient continues to be victimized. And in thousands of others, discovery does not always mean law enforcement intervention.

In fact, in one federal audit*, it was discovered that almost 30 percent of cases where nursing home patients are treated in emergency rooms with injuries caused by either physical or sexual abuse are never reported to law enforcement. This alarming number despite the federal law that requires nursing homes to report suspected crimes of abuse to police within two hours of the incident being discovered.

If you have even the slightest suspicion that your loved one is being abused or neglected, talking to Silver Spring, MD nursing home lawyers as soon as possible may help you to be able to get your loved one out of this dangerous situation.

How Can Families Protect Their Loved Ones

Because of the prevalence of this horrific issue, it is up to families to keep a sharp eye for any signs that there could be abuse or neglect taking place. This is especially true when the elderly patient is suffering from dementia or other health issues that can make communication difficult. A nursing home abuse attorney suggests families watch for any of the following signs that indicate their elderly loved one is being victimized:

• Changes in mood
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Dehydration
• Drug overdoses
• Emotional changes, such as agitation, fear, or withdrawal from social activities
• Failure to take medication
• Malnutrition
• Nursing home staff member refusing to leave family alone with the elderly patient
• Signs of improper restraint, such as abrasions on the wrists
• Sudden weight loss
• Unexplained injuries, such as bruises, cuts, sprains, or fractured bones Torn clothing or broken glasses
• Your loved one acts uncomfortable around certain staff members
• Your loved one is afraid to answer questions

If a nursing home resident that you love displays any of these symptoms or ones not mentioned here, Silver Spring, MD nursing home lawyers may be able to help you to start protecting your loved one when you let them know about your situation.

Contact a Nursing Home Abuse Attorney

Abuse of the elderly is against the law and needs to be treated as such. If your loved one has been a victim of neglect or abuse – or you suspect they are – contact Cohen & Cohen to find out how we can help. Our nursing home abuse attorney will assist your family in reporting the abuse to the proper federal and state agencies, as well as pursue compensation for the damages your loved one has suffered.

For highly rated Silver Spring, MD nursing home lawyers, call Cohen & Cohen for a free and confidential consultation.

*http://www.mcall.com/news/nationworld/pennsylvania/mc-nws-hhs-nursing-home-abuse-audit-20170828-story.html