Experienced Portland Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
Portland Nursing Home Abuse Attorney
Find out why we have some of the best Portland nursing home abuse lawyers
Have You or a Loved One Experienced Abuse in a Nursing Home?
Goldberg & Loren’s experienced nursing home abuse lawyers in Portland, Oregon, understand the pain and suffering that can come from such a traumatic experience, and we are here to help you seek justice.
Contact Goldberg & Loren today to schedule a free consultation and take the first step toward justice.
Definition of Nursing Home Abuse
Nursing home abuse is a distressing issue that affects vulnerable senior citizens residing in nursing homes and long-term care facilities.
It encompasses various forms of mistreatment and neglect, including physical, emotional, sexual, and financial abuse. This mistreatment can lead to severe physical and psychological harm, sometimes resulting in death.
Nursing home abuse affects thousands of families each year. In 2020 alone, over 15,000 complaints filed with nursing home ombudsmen were about abuse or neglect. [1]
The Need for Portland Oregon Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers
Goldberg & Loren lawyers possess specialized knowledge and experience in handling cases involving nursing home abuse, ensuring that victims receive the justice they deserve.
Our nursing home abuse lawyers strive to hold accountable those responsible for abuse. We navigate the complex legal system and gather evidence to build a powerful case against the abusers and the facilities that failed to protect their residents. We also provide support and guidance to victims and their families, helping them understand their rights and options.
Forms of Nursing Home Abuse in Portland Oregon Nursing Homes
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse may result in cuts, bruises, broken bones, and the inappropriate use of physical or medical restraints. Over-medication, particularly with sedatives, can also be a form of physical abuse.
Signs and symptoms of physical abuse may include unexplained weight loss, bruises in unusual locations, depression, poor personal hygiene, and sudden withdrawals from bank accounts. These are indicators that an elder may be experiencing physical abuse in a nursing home setting.
Sexual Abuse
It involves non-consensual sexual activity, such as unwanted touching, assault, or even rape. The victims of sexual abuse in nursing homes may be residents who are vulnerable and unable to defend themselves.
Perpetrators of sexual abuse can include staff members, fellow residents, or even visitors to the nursing home. The presence of multiple individuals who have access to residents increases the risk of sexual abuse occurring.
Detecting and reporting sexual abuse in nursing homes can be challenging, particularly when victims have cognitive impairments or are unable to communicate effectively. The shame, fear, and embarrassment associated with sexual abuse can further prevent victims from coming forward.
Emotional Abuse
There are several forms of emotional abuse that can occur in nursing homes. Verbal abuse, such as name-calling or using threatening language, is a common form. Intimidation and threats can make residents feel scared and powerless.
Scapegoating, where a resident is blamed for problems within the facility, can lead to feelings of isolation and shame. Neglect of emotional needs, such as withholding affection or depriving residents of social interaction, can have a detrimental impact on their well-being.
Signs can include changes in behavior, such as withdrawal or increased agitation. Residents may also exhibit signs of anxiety or depression, sudden mood swings, or a general sense of fear or unease.
Financial Abuse
Financial abuse is the theft of money or personal belongings. Caregivers may steal cash, jewelry, or other valuable items from residents. Forgery of signatures is another method used by unscrupulous individuals to gain access to a resident’s funds. Caregivers may forge signatures on checks or legal documents to manipulate a resident’s financial situation.
Unauthorized withdrawals or transfers of funds are also forms of financial abuse. Caregivers may take money from a resident’s bank account without their consent or knowledge.
Identity theft is another deceptive method used by nursing home caregivers to swindle money from elderly patients. Caregivers may obtain personal information such as social security numbers or bank account details to commit fraudulent activities, opening credit cards, or taking out loans in the resident’s name.
Neglect and Inadequate Care
Medication errors are a common problem, with staff members administering incorrect dosages or failing to provide medications altogether. This can result in adverse reactions, medical complications, and exacerbation of existing health conditions.
Bedsores, also known as pressure ulcers or decubitus ulcers, are another sign of neglect frequently observed in nursing homes. These painful and preventable wounds occur when residents are not repositioned regularly, leading to excessive pressure on bony areas of the body.
Inadequate hydration is yet another issue, as residents may not receive sufficient fluids to maintain proper bodily functions. This can cause dehydration, which can lead to serious health complications and negatively impact an elderly person’s overall well-being.
The use of physical restraints is a form of neglect and mistreatment that can have severe consequences for nursing home residents. Restraints are meant to be used as a last resort and with proper justification, but in some cases, residents are improperly restrained, leading to physical discomfort, loss of autonomy, and increased risk of injury.
Lack of supervision can result in residents wandering away from the facility, falling without immediate assistance, or experiencing other preventable accidents.
Inadequate hygiene practices, such as infrequent bathing or failure to assist with toileting needs, can lead to discomfort, infection, and a decline in overall health.
Risks Faced by Residents of Nursing Homes
Vulnerability to Abusive Behaviors
The advanced age of nursing home residents puts them at a higher risk, as they may have physical weaknesses and be more prone to injuries. Individuals with cognitive impairments, such as dementia, have a decreased ability to protect themselves, which can make them vulnerable to abuse.
The reliance on caregivers for daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, and taking medications, also raises the likelihood of residents encountering abusive behaviors.
High Medical Expenses
When nursing home abuse occurs, victims may suffer physical and emotional injuries that require medical attention. From the costs of emergency room visits to ongoing treatment and therapy, medical expenses can quickly accumulate. These expenses can be overwhelming for victims and their families.
Have You or a Loved One Experienced Abuse in a Nursing Home in Portland, Oregon?
Goldberg & Loren are the leading experienced personal injury lawyers in Portland. We are dedicated to fighting for justice and holding those responsible accountable. With our expertise and experience, we will provide the support and guidance you need during this difficult time.
Contact Goldberg & Loren today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step towards seeking justice for nursing home abuse.
Source:
[1] Nursing Home Abuse Statistics | Get the Facts You Need. (n.d.). NursingHomeAbuse.org. https://www.nursinghomeabuse.org/nursing-home-abuse/statistics/
Goldberg & Loren Personal Injury Attorneys
6500 S Macadam Ave #300,
Portland, OR 97239
(971) 339-8080
If you or someone you care about has experienced nursing home abuse in Portland, you might be entitled to compensation. Get in touch with us to determine if you have a potential case worth pursuing.
Have Questions About Your Case? Call Us Today:
We Represent Those Who Have Experienced a Nursing Home Injury in the Following Cities and Communities Near Portland, Oregon.
- Beaverton, OR
- Hillsboro, OR
- Vancouver, WA
- Clackamas County, OR
- Clark County, WA
- Columbia County, OR
- Multnomah County, OR
- Skamania County, WA
- Washington County, OR
- Skamania County, WA
- Yamhill County, OR
