Experienced Boise Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers
Boise Nursing Home Abuse Attorney
Find out why we are one of the best Boise nursing home abuse law firms
At Goldberg & Loren, we have experienced attorneys with a proven track record of successfully representing clients and recovering millions of dollars on their behalf. Our nursing home abuse lawyers are committed to fighting for the rights and well-being of those who have suffered abuse or neglect in nursing homes.
What is Nursing Home Abuse?
Nursing home abuse is a distressing issue that involves the mistreatment of elderly residents in long-term care facilities. Various types of abuse can occur within elderly living facilities, such as physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and more, each leaving a harmful impact on the well-being of elderly residents.
Abuse can have long-term consequences like physical injuries, depression, anxiety, or a loss of self-esteem. Neglect in nursing homes is another significant issue involving the failure to provide residents with adequate care, attention, or support. It can lead to the deterioration of an individual’s health, malnutrition, dehydration, and other preventable complications.
Types of Abuse
Whether it is physical, verbal, emotional, sexual, or even financial, abuse can cause long-lasting physical and psychological harm. Let’s explore various forms and signs of abuse, shedding light on their characteristics and impact.
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse is a form of aggression that involves using physical force to harm another person. It can take many forms, including hitting, slapping, punching, kicking, or any other form of physical violence.
The impact of physical abuse can be long-lasting and can result in physical injuries, emotional trauma, and psychological effects. Recognizing the signs of physical abuse is crucial to ensuring the safety and well-being of older individuals. Here are several key indicators to be aware of:
- Bruises and cuts: The presence of unexplained bruising or cuts on the body, particularly in various stages of healing, can be a clear sign of physical abuse. These injuries may occur in areas such as the inner arm or thigh.
- Torn clothes: If an older person frequently wears torn or bloodstained clothing, it may indicate that they have experienced forceful physical contact or struggle, potentially due to abuse.
- Broken bones: Fractures or broken bones without a plausible explanation may be strong evidence of physical abuse. Fractures related to abuse are commonly found in the arms, legs, or ribs.
- Behavioral changes: Physical abuse can lead to various behavioral changes in elderly individuals. They may become withdrawn, anxious, or display signs of depression. They might also exhibit fear or anxiety around specific individuals or show signs of aggression.
- Neglected hygiene: Neglect of personal hygiene can be a sign of physical abuse. If an elderly person's physical appearance, such as messy hair, dirty clothes, or noticeable weight loss, drastically deteriorates, it might indicate abuse.
Providing adequate staff training, transforming organizational culture, and improving conditions could potentially mitigate elderly abuse. [1] Our attorneys can help victims understand their rights and options for seeking justice and provide support and advocacy throughout the legal process. We facilitate injury victims to access the legal resources and assistance they need to protect themselves and hold their abusers accountable.
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse involves unwanted sexual contact, harassment, or exploitation of older adults who reside in nursing facilities. Perpetrators can include staff members, other residents, or even visitors.
The impact of sexual abuse is profound, leaving lasting scars on the survivors. Survivors of sexual abuse can develop anxiety disorders, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and low self-esteem. It also leads to emotional consequences, such as shame, guilt, and fear, and physical consequences, ranging from physical injuries to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and other health issues.
Our dedicated personal injury lawyers in Boise are experienced in helping survivors to understand their legal options, such as filing civil lawsuits or pursuing criminal charges against perpetrators. We ensure that survivors’ voices are heard, and their rights are protected. We also offer support and guidance throughout the legal process, empowering survivors to seek justice and hold abusers accountable for their actions.
Psychological Abuse
Psychological and emotional abuse in nursing homes is a most common issue that can have devastating effects on elderly residents. It includes manipulation, intimidation, verbal threats, humiliation, and isolation. Psychological and emotional abuse can be perpetrated by staff members, caregivers, or even other residents, and it can lead to significant emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and a decline in an individual’s overall well-being.
Elderly individuals may feel powerless or fearful of retaliation if they speak out about the mistreatment they are experiencing. Therefore, nursing home staff, administrators, and family members need to be vigilant and aware of the signs of psychological abuse, such as changes in behavior, social withdrawal, or unexplained emotional distress.
Through meticulous research, documentation, and the coordination of expert witnesses, lawyers at Goldberg & Loren strive to build strong legal cases for our clients. Our goal is to secure fair compensation for the victims and their families and bring about systemic change. We also aim to raise awareness, change policies, and improve the quality of care provided to our elderly population.
Financial Abuse
Financial abuse, one of the types of elder abuse, refers to the unlawful or unauthorized use of an older person’s finances or assets. It not only affects the victim’s financial stability but also has a profound impact on their emotional well-being. Recognizing the signs of financial exploitation is significant in combating this heinous act.
Financial exploitation can be evident in the form of missing belongings, where valuable items mysteriously disappear from the elderly person’s home. Forged signatures on checks are also revealing signs of financial abuse. Caregivers or family members may also take advantage of their access to an elderly person’s documents and personal information, engaging in criminal acts such as identity theft. [2]
Our lawyers can help victims understand their legal rights, gather evidence of the abuse, and pursue legal action against the perpetrators. They work to hold nursing homes accountable for failing to protect residents from financial exploitation.
Legal Issues in Nursing Home Cases
When it comes to nursing home cases, legal issues often arise due to the potential abuse, neglect, or malpractice suffered by elderly residents in these facilities. It involves a range of legal matters, including issues about the rights of the residents, negligence claims against nursing home staff, and the appropriate standard of care expected from these facilities.
The legal framework regarding nursing home cases aims to protect the vulnerable elderly population and hold responsible parties accountable for any harm caused. Understanding the legal issues involved in nursing home cases is significant in ensuring the safety, well-being, and proper care of elderly individuals in these facilities.
Personal Injury Claims and Negligence Claims
Different kinds of personal injury and negligence claims can be pursued in cases of nursing home abuse aimed at holding the facility responsible for the abuse and neglect experienced by residents.
Personal injury claims and negligence claims have a significant role in holding nursing homes accountable for abuse and neglect. They allow residents or their families to seek justice and compensation for the harm inflicted upon them due to the facility’s failure to provide adequate staff or proper training.
Statute of Limitations on Filing Claims
In Boise, Idaho, the Statute of Limitations for nursing home abuse claims can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case. Generally, the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit related to nursing home abuse is two years from the time the abuse occurred or when it was discovered.
However, there are legal nuances, such as if the abuse was ongoing or if the victim is incapacitated, which could extend or alter this time frame. Contact our expert legal team for guidance regarding the specifics of your situation.
Looking to Hire a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer in Boise?
If you are considering hiring a nursing home abuse lawyer in Boise, look no further than Goldberg & Loren’s law firm. Our skilled lawyers specializing in nursing home abuse in Boise are here to advocate for your loved one who may be suffering from mistreatment or negligence in a nursing home facility.
With our expertise and commitment, we can provide valuable support and legal guidance to uphold the rights and well-being of vulnerable individuals. Reach out to us to schedule consultations with our experienced lawyers for legal assistance today.
Sources:
[1] Hirt, J., Adlbrecht, L., Heinrich, S., & Zeller, A. (2022, July 6). Staff-to-resident abuse in nursing homes: a scoping review. BMC Geriatrics. https://bmcgeriatr.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12877-022-03243-9
[2] WARNING SIGNS OF ELDER ABUSE. (n.d.). In Project Seniors. Retrieved November 27, 2023, from https://aging.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Warning-Signs-of-Elder-Abuse.pdf
We fight hard for our clients who have been victims of nursing home abuse in Boise, Idaho. If you or a loved one has been victim of nursing abuse, our personal injury lawyers fight for maximum compensation. Contact our offices today for a free consultation.
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We Represent Clients That Suffered Personal Injuries in the Following Cities and Communities Near Boise, Idaho.
- Nampa, ID
- Middleton, ID
- Star, ID
- Mountain Home, ID
- Eagle, ID
- Caldwell, ID
- Emmett, ID
- Nyssa, ID
- Meridian, ID
- Kuna, ID
- Garden City, ID
- Ontario, ID
- Fruitland, ID
- Idaho City, ID
- Payette, ID
- Homedale, ID
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