Rialto Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect Lawyers

Have you noticed that your elderly parent has suddenly lost energy or their normal spark? Have you noticed bruising on your grandparent’s arm or forearm that resembles finger marks? Maybe your loved one suffered a serious fall and broke her hip in the process, but there does not seem to be anyone at fault but her own poor balance. In all of these cases, the underlying cause may be abuse or neglect. Do not assume that your elderly loved one is merely aging, and therefore suffering a decline in health, mood, or ability.

While the normal aging process may certainly be a factor, the truth is that nursing home abuse and neglect is much more common than any of us would like to admit. By working with an experienced Rialto nursing home abuse and neglect attorney, you can not only hold the responsible party accountable, but also ensure that your loved one has the financial means to afford a better care facility, as well as cover other damages such as medical bills, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and more. To find out what your options are, the experienced Rialto elder neglect attorneys with the Southern California Nursing Home Law Group are available to assist you.

According to AgingWell, psychological abuse, at a reported incidence rate of 54.1%, is believed to be the most common type of elder abuse. Seniors can also experience physical abuse and sexual abuse at the hands of their caregivers. Some common types of abuse include:

• Spitting, scratching, hitting, shoving, force-feeding, pinching a resident;
• Scolding, ridiculing, ignoring, or cursing at a resident;
• Rape, or any inappropriate sexual touching of a senior;
• Taking photographs of a senior as a way of humiliating them;
• Rough handling of resident when helping them maneuver;
• Unnecessary chemical or physical restraints; and
• More.

Nursing home neglect can be intentional, perhaps from a caregiver who is burnt out on helping their patients and ignores the mealtime or a call bell. However, it is equally damaging if the neglect occurs unintentionally. Nursing home facilities may not have enough staff to properly attend to all of their residents, but that does not prevent them from being at-fault when an injury occurs because of neglect. Common types of neglect seen in nursing care facilities include:

• Incorrect body positioning, which can lead to pressure ulcers and bed sores;
• Failure to assist resident with toileting or changing soiled diapers;
• Failure to provide proper food and water;
• Ignoring call bells or other requests for assistance;
• Failure to help resident move around to desired activities;
• Lack of assistance with bathing and other personal hygiene;
• Failure to keep room sanitary and tidy; and
• More.

Nursing home care is expensive, as you know. Paying for additional medical costs caused by abuse or neglect, let alone psychological counseling for emotional harm or an upgrade to a better facility, is an added expense for victims of neglect and abuse. A lawsuit can help provide a better life, or at least serve as some semblance of justice. A personal injury or wrongful death claim can include compensation for:

• Medical expenses;
• Pain and suffering;
• Emotional distress;
• Wrongful Death damages;
• Funeral or burial expenses;
• Loss of joy of life; and
• More.

The senior population is already considered a vulnerable population when it comes to abuse and neglect. They are physically not as strong as they were in their prime years and cannot defend themselves from rough handling and physical attacks. Many seniors also suffer cognitively, from mild memory issues to severe dementia that requires they be in a memory care unit. Within the elderly population, Verywell Health reports that some seniors are at an even higher risk of mistreatment including:

• Those who are socially isolated;
• Females;
• Those with impaired health;
• Lower income residents;
• African Americans; and
• Residents who have lost their spouse or are single.

Whether you have certain knowledge that your loved one has been abused or neglected, or you are only suspicious that such acts have taken place, an experienced attorney can help get to the bottom of it, build a strong case, and hold the liable party—the nursing home—accountable for their actions. While it may have only been an individual staff member who committed the act, the facility violated its duty of care to your loved one and must be held responsible. Call our experienced Rialto nursing home abuse and neglect attorneys at the Southern California Nursing Home Law Group today for assistance. To schedule a no-cost meeting, call us at (866) 607-1325 today.