Frequently Asked Questions
1. What should I do if I suspect my loved one is being abused or neglected?
If you suspect abuse or neglect is occurring, it is important that you do not ignore your suspicions. Instead, you should immediately notify the head of the nursing home and document your complaint in writing. You should also contact an attorney who can inform you of your legal rights and help in investigating the matter. It is also a good idea to stop by the nursing home more often to check up on your loved one and look for signs of abuse or neglect. You should also follow up with the head of the nursing home to make sure he or she has looked into the problem and done what is needed to make sure your loved one is protected.
2. How can I tell if my loved one is being abused, neglected or mistreated?
There are signs that may indicate that abuse or neglect is occurring, such as:
- Unexplained injuries or infections
- Unexplained bruises, red marks, scratches, burns, sprains, etc.
- Unexplained health issues
- Bed sores or pressure sores
- Dirty or soiled bandages or dressings
- Dirty or soiled undergarments or clothing
- Dirty or soiled bedding
- Sudden changes in behavior or personality
- Overmedicating
- Staff refusing to allow family or visitors to see the resident
- Unexplained transfers or withdrawals from bank accounts
- Unexplained changes to a will
3. When should I contact an attorney?
We always advise people to contact an attorney as soon as you suspect something may be going on. At Lanier Law Group, an attorney at our firm can listen to your concerns, inform you of your legal rights, and discuss your options. We can also ensure an investigation is underway, and, if it is discovered that your loved one is a victim of neglect or abuse, you can trust us to help you file a claim against the nursing home.
4. Will filing a complaint against the nursing home make the abuse stop?
If you can identify the person responsible, the nursing home will likely fire that employee. If it is not clear who is responsible for the abuse, our team of skilled attorneys and investigators will try to find out. We can also help you choose another nursing home if you decide that you want to move your loved one out of the current home he or she is in.
5. What if my loved one was killed?
If your loved one was killed as the result of nursing home abuse or neglect, we can assist you in filing a wrongful death claim against the nursing home and the other responsible parties. However, before you file a wrongful death lawsuit, you must open an estate and have someone appointed to act as the administrator of the estate.
If you have additional questions regarding nursing home abuse or neglect, please feel free to contact an attorney at Lanier Law Group today.