Have You or a Loved One Experienced Abuse in a Nursing Home? It’s Time to Take Action and Seek Justice.
Have you or a loved one suffered nursing home abuse? If so, there has been a terrible injustice. We can help.
Call our Fresno nursing home abuse lawyers today at (559) 603-8332 to schedule a free consultation. We are open now and 24/7 to answer any questions you might have. Schedule an in-person or online appointment. Let us help you navigate the legal process. You don't have to face this alone.
Types of Nursing Home Abuse in Fresno
Nursing home abuse refers to any intentional, negligent, or mistreatment of elderly residents in long-term care facilities. In a Fresno nursing home, any of these types of abuse can occur:
- Physical abuse: This involves the intentional use of force that results in physical harm to a resident. Examples include hitting, pushing, restraining, or incorrect administration of medication.
- Emotional or psychological abuse: This form of abuse involves inflicting mental anguish, fear, or distress upon a resident. It can include yelling, belittling, humiliating, or isolating the resident.
Emotional mistreatment is the most common form of nursing home abuse. Up to 81% of staff reported that other co-workers had emotionally harmed residents, according to recent elderly abuse in nursing homes statistics. [1]
- Sexual abuse: Involves any non-consensual sexual contact with a resident, including sexual assault, rape, or unwanted touching.
- Neglect: This occurs when the nursing home employees fail to provide the necessary care and attention to meet the resident's basic physical, emotional, or medical needs. Examples include not providing proper nutrition, failing to assist with personal hygiene, or ignoring a resident's requests for help.
- Financial exploitation: This occurs when a nursing home staff member exploits a resident for personal financial gain, such as stealing money or belongings, forging signatures, or coercing the resident into changing their will or power of attorney.
Up to 1 in 6 nursing home residents may be the victim of abuse or neglect every year. [2]
Signs of Fresno Nursing Home Resident Abuse
Common signs of nursing home abuse of a resident in Fresnocan manifest in various ways, including:
Physical signs:
- Unexplained bruises, welts, cuts, or burns
- Broken bones or fractures
- Sprains or dislocations
- Signs of restraint marks, such as redness or bruising on wrists or ankles
- Unexplained weight loss or malnutrition
- Dehydration
- Poor hygiene, including dirty clothing or unwashed hair
Emotional or psychological signs:
- Unusual changes in behavior, such as withdrawal, fear, or agitation
- Increased confusion or disorientation
- Changes in sleep patterns, including nightmares or difficulty sleeping
- Social isolation or withdrawal from activities
- Unexplained changes in mood, such as depression or anxiety
Sexual abuse signs:
- Unexplained genital or anal injuries
- Pain or discomfort during urination or bowel movements
- Presence of a sexually transmitted infection
- Torn, stained, or bloody undergarments
- Behavioral changes, such as sudden sexualized behavior or fear of certain staff members
Neglect signs:
- Untreated medical conditions or chronic health issues
- Pressure ulcers (bedsores)
- Poor personal hygiene, including dirty clothes or unwashed hair
- Inadequate nutrition or hydration
- Unsanitary living conditions, such as dirty bedding or infestations
Financial abuse signs:
- Unexplained withdrawals or missing belongings
- Changes in financial documents or sudden changes in the resident's will or power of attorney
- Unauthorized use of the resident's credit cards or bank accounts
- Forged signatures on checks or legal documents
- Sudden or significant changes in the resident's financial situation
Damages For Nursing Home Abuse Cases in Fresno
In cases of nursing home abuse, victims and their families may seek damages to compensate for injuries, some examples are:
Compensatory damages: These aim to compensate the victim for the harm and losses suffered as a result of the abuse. They can include medical expenses, therapy costs, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and any other financial losses or damages incurred.
Punitive damages: If the abuse is found to be particularly egregious, intentional, or malicious, punitive damages may be awarded. These damages are meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter future similar conduct.
Wrongful Death Damages: If the nursing home abuse resulted in the death of the resident, the victim's family may pursue wrongful death damages. This can include compensation for funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and other related losses.
Legal fees and expenses: The plaintiff may be entitled to reimbursement of their attorney fees and other legal expenses incurred during the process.
Get a Free Consultation From a Fresno Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Today
Our local Fresno nursing home abuse attorneys approach each case with compassion and empathy, recognizing the unique challenges faced by elderly individuals who have experienced mistreatment.
We take the time to listen to our clients' stories, gathering all necessary information to build a strong case against the perpetrators.
Goldberg & Loren operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only charge a fee if we win the case and secure compensation for our clients. This assures potential clients that they will not face any additional financial burden in seeking justice for their loved ones.
We investigate each case diligently, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with medical experts to establish the extent of the harm suffered by our clients.
Goldberg & Loren's Fresno personal injury lawyers keep you informed and involved. We believe that communication is crucial and strive to provide regular updates on the progress of each case. Reach out to us today for a free consultation regarding your nursing home abuse concerns.
Sources:
[1] Team, N. H. A. C. (2023, November 17). Nursing Home Abuse Statistics | Statistics on Elder Abuse in 2023. Nursing Home Abuse Center. https://www.nursinghomeabusecenter.com/nursing-home-abuse/statistics
[2] Nursing Home Abuse - Elder Abuse, Neglect & More. (n.d.). https://www.nursinghomeabuseguide.org/
