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Glendale Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect Lawyers

Glendale elder abuse attorneys fighting for seniors in nursing homes in California

Moving your loved one into a nursing home is challenging because you are essentially taking away their independence. However, nursing home care is necessary for many seniors who can no longer live alone or require additional medical assistance. Caregivers and nursing home staff are responsible for caring for your loved one and providing a safe environment free from emotional, physical, or sexual abuse. Nursing home facilities operate and care for residents 24/7, and there must always be adequately trained staff available. When abuse or neglect occurs, it can harm every resident and their family. Speak to the Glendale elder abuse and neglect attorney from Garcia & Artigliere about your legal options - call us today to assert your rights.

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How can our Glendale nursing home abuse & neglect attorneys help?

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What are the different types of nursing home abuse and neglect in Glendale?

Elder abuse is rampant, and nursing home abuse or neglect is a form of elder abuse. It is often committed by staff, other residents, and third parties. Long-term care facilities are also known for elder abuse. The National Center for Elder Abuse considers the following as the most common types of elder abuse:

  • Physical abuse is any injury that results from using physical force to cause impairment, pain, or bodily injury. It often involves hitting, punching, slapping, or striking an individual.
  • Emotional and psychological abuse is damaging for individuals already in a vulnerable state. This can come through humiliation, insults, cursing, intimidation, and isolating the person from others.
  • Sexual abuse is any unwanted or non-consensual act with an elderly individual. Often this involves groping, rape, sodomy, touching, or coerced nudity.
  • Abandonment happens when caretakers or nursing home facilities desert a senior after they have custody of the individual, leaving them confused and lonely.

What red flags can I look for that indicate abuse or neglect is happening?

There are currently 1.4 million people in nursing home facilities. Studies say that 44% have suffered abuse, with 95% reported neglect. If these numbers are shocking, you should know that most cases of neglect and abuse are not reported. The reasons for not reporting abuse range from fear to cognitive issues. Some seniors are ashamed and feel they are putting a burden on their loved ones by reporting their abuse. The perpetrators of the abuse often fail to take accountability.

While this issue is ongoing, it cannot continue to be swept under the rug. Loved ones should look for signs of abuse and neglect when visiting seniors as might be the only way to detect and handle the situation. Some signs you may witness include:

  • Emotional agitation, anxiety, or withdrawal
  • Wandering or elopement
  • Fluctuations in weight, such as gaining or losing it rapidly
  • Fear of or reluctance around staff members
  • Unexplained injuries
  • Sudden changes in behavior
  • Fear of being touched

Often, patients will experience multiple forms of abuse at the hands of caregivers. If you see one sign, you should investigate further, as there could be additional injuries or abuse happening. You may find your loved one is emotionally distraught and, upon further investigation, realize they are also suffering physical injuries. Look to other residents to understand what is happening in the facility overall.

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What kind of injuries can nursing home residents suffer?

Elder abuse can leave a lasting physical and emotional impact on the patient. Physical abuse will have long-term effects that can require additional medical care. This can be difficult since the abused residents are often leery of medical staff. However, these injuries must be treated and documented. The most common injuries nursing home abuse victims suffer include:

  • Broken bones
  • Medication errors
  • Bladder and bowel injuries
  • Injuries from falls
  • Resident-on-resident abuse
  • Bed sores
  • Malnutrition or dehydration
  • Nursing home neglect
  • Wrongful death

Additionally, if your loved one dies from nursing home abuse or neglect, you may have a wrongful death claim. You cannot get your loved one back, and the facility that allowed the abuse to happen must be held responsible. A Glendale nursing home abuse and neglect attorney can help build the best legal strategy for your claim. We fight for justice for our clients.

What rights do Glendale nursing home residents have?

The nursing home bill of rights outlines every right a senior has when they enter a nursing home or long-term care facility. The list is extensive but covers some essential topics such as:

  • Being treated with respect
  • Free from unnecessary restraints
  • Participation in activities
  • Freedom from discrimination
  • Access to prompt medical care
  • Money management
  • Proper privacy, property, and living arrangements
  • Social services
  • Spending time with visitors

When these rights are violated, it can be a form of abuse or neglect. If your loved one experiences these or other violations, speak to the Glendale nursing home abuse and neglect attorney at Garcia & Artigliere.

Who is liable for nursing home abuse and neglect?

Caretakers are tasked with keeping residents safe and ensuring they get the adequate medical attention they need. The party who inflicts the abuse or neglect is responsible for paying damages. A nursing home can be held liable if you can prove the following:

  • Abuse from third parties like guests, family, or other residents
  • Poor staff training
  • Understaffing leads to a lapse in treatment and adds stress to the staff who are working
  • Medication errors such as overmedicating or under medicating
  • Hiring errors like improper background checks or hiring unqualified individuals
  • Violations of a resident's fundamental rights are outlined in several legislative documents on a state and federal level

Caregivers can be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the case facts. This

can result in imprisonment and fines. The senior and their family can also seek financial recourse through a civil claim.

Ways you can help a Glendale nursing home resident who is being abused

Upon discovering abuse or neglect, you can take several steps to protect your loved one. You should question the nursing home management and report your suspicions. They should take action to remedy your concerns. You should visit seniors regularly to check on them, but do not stick to a regular schedule. If any residents are in imminent danger, call 911. Additional resources include:

  • Adult protective services
  • Nursing home abuse hotline
  • Long-term care-related reports

You should speak to a Glendale nursing home abuse attorney to learn about your legal options. You will have two years from discovering the abuse or neglect to take legal action. Garcia & Artigliere fight for our clients and their families.

Do you have a Glendale nursing home abuse and neglect attorney near me?

The attorneys at Garcia & Artigliere have no respect or empathy for perpetrators of nursing home abuse and neglect. We understand how important it is to protect your loved one and will fight against these parties to get you the justice you deserve. Our Glendale nursing home abuse and neglect attorneys have over 150 years of combined experience. We have offices in Long Beach and Los Angeles and serve clients throughout California.

Schedule a consultation with a Glendale nursing home abuse and neglect attorney

If you suspect your loved one has been abused and neglected at their nursing home, talk to the experienced Glendale nursing home abuse and neglect attorneys at Garcia & Artigliere. Schedule your initial consultation by calling our office or submitting our contact form today.

 

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