Experienced Salem Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys
Salem Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers
We are one of the best personal injury law firms in Salem, Oregon
Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers in Salem
Nursing home abuse in Salem remains a distressing concern affecting vulnerable residents of nursing homes. Instances of physical, emotional, or neglectful mistreatment in these facilities highlight systemic issues demanding attention.
An estimated five million older Americans experience abuse annually, with victims of financial abuse experiencing a yearly loss of at least $36.5 billion. [1]
We provide compassionate and dedicated legal advocacy for those who have suffered mistreatment. The nursing home abuse lawyers at Goldberg & Loren have a strong track record of holding negligent facilities accountable and obtaining justice and compensation for our clients.
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Common Types of Nursing Home Abuse
Females are more likely to experience abuse in nursing homes than males. Over 64% of elder abuse victims are women. [2]
Here are some common forms of nursing home abuse:
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse can take many forms of bodily injuries, including hitting, pushing, shaking, kicking, slapping, and restraining. It can also involve the inappropriate use of medication or physical restraints, as well as depriving the individual of food, water, or necessary medical care.
Physical abuse constitutes 29% of nursing home abuse cases. [3]
Warning signs of abuse may include unexplained bruises, cuts, fractures, restraint marks, or sprains, as well as fear of the caregiver, withdrawal from activities, and sudden changes in behavior.
Psychological Abuse
Psychological or mental abuse can have devastating effects on elderly people, including anxiety, depression, and sudden personality changes. Signs of mental harm in long-term medical care facilities may include fearfulness, withdrawal, and reports of abuse by the loved one. Elders who experience emotional abuse may also exhibit symptoms such as agitation, disorientation, and unexplained injuries.
Financial Exploitation
Financial exploitation in assisted living facilities can take various forms, including theft of possessions, unauthorized use of credit/debit cards, and coercion into signing legal documents.
Financial abuse of elderly persons within nursing homes occurs at a rate of 7%. [3]
Many elderly residents are especially vulnerable to financial abuse due to their limited mobility and dependence on others for their care. Warning signs of financial exploitation include missing possessions, sudden changes in banking practices, and unexplained withdrawals or transfers of funds.
Medication Errors
Medication errors are a type of abuse that can occur in various stages of the healthcare process, including prescribing, administration, and dispensing. Prescribing errors, such as incorrect dosage or drug interactions, can lead to patient harm.
Administration errors, such as giving the wrong medication or medication overdose, can also have severe consequences. Dispensing errors, such as incorrect labeling or packaging, can result in patients receiving the wrong medication.
Neglect and Poor Care
Neglect often involves inadequate supervision, insufficient assistance with basic needs like hygiene or medication, and a lack of proper medical attention.
The mistreatment can lead to deteriorating health conditions, untreated injuries, infections, malnutrition, or dehydration.
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse is a prevalent issue affecting 7% of nursing home residents. [3]
This form of abuse can involve unwanted sexual contact, coercion, harassment, or inappropriate behavior by staff members, other residents, or outsiders. Victims of sexual abuse often experience physical and emotional withdrawal, feelings of shame, fear, and a loss of trust.
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Symptoms of Nursing Home Abuse
Recognizing the common signs of abuse is significant for safeguarding vulnerable residents. Understanding these signs is paramount in identifying and addressing potential mistreatment in care facilities.
Following are some of the common symptoms:
- Bedsores or pressure ulcers
- Changes in financial situations
- Dehydration
- Fear of being alone with certain staff members
- Poor hygiene or unattended medical needs
- Sudden changes in mood or behavior
- Staff refusing visitation or isolating the resident
- Unexplained injuries or bruises
- Weight loss or malnutrition
- Withdrawal from social activities
Statute of Limitations for Nursing Home Abuse in Salem, Oregon
The Statute of Limitations for abuse in Oregon is two years from the date of the abuse or discovery of the abuse. There are exceptions for wrongful death claims, which must be filed within three years from the date of the patient’s death. [5]
As a victim of nursing abuse, you and your family need to be aware of these time limits and exceptions to take legal action against the abusers or negligent facilities. Seek legal representation from our personal injury lawyers in Salem to protect your rights within the Statute of Limitations.
We Can Protect You By Filing Claims Against Nursing Homes for Abuse
As a law firm specializing in representing victims of nursing home abuse, we understand the devastating impact that abuse and neglect can have on individuals and their families.
Our dedicated team of attorneys will help you file claims against abuse, whether it be physical, emotional, financial, or neglect-related mistreatment.
Goldberg & Loren’s nursing home negligence lawyers are familiar with the Oregon Long-Term Care Facilities Act, and we can help you navigate complex legal procedures and ensure that the claim is filed correctly. We can also provide legal advice on gathering additional evidence or documentation to take action against nursing homes.
Other than seeking financial compensation for you, we also strive to hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions, ensuring justice for you and preventing future incidents of mistreatment within nursing facilities.
Sources:
[1] The National Council on Aging. (n.d.). https://www.ncoa.org/advocates/public-policy/issues/aging-services/elder-justice
[2] 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/
[3] Elder Abuse: A Comprehensive Overview and Physician-Associated Challenges. (n.d.). NIH. Retrieved December 19, 2023, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8110289/
[4] Long Term Care Administrators Board. (2021). Oregon Health Authority. Retrieved December 19, 2023, from https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/HLO/Laws/LTC-Statutes.pdf
[5] Team, N. H. A. C. (2023, November 17). Nursing Home Abuse Statute of Limitations for Each State. Nursing Home Abuse Center. https://www.nursinghomeabusecenter.com/legal/statute-limitations/
We fight hard for our clients who have been victims of nursing home abuse in Salem, Oregon. Our personal injury lawyers fight for maximum compensation.
We Represent Nursing Home Abuse Victims in the Following Cities and Communities Near Salem, Oregon.
- Keizer, OR
- Hayesville, OR
- Dallas, OR
- Tigard, OR
- Woodburn, OR
- Albany, OR
- Newberg, OR
- West Linn, OR
- Canby, OR
- Wilsonville, OR
- Corvallis, OR
- Lebanon, OR
- Sherwood, OR
- Tualatin, OR
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