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Has Your Loved One Been Mistreated By Nursing Home Staff?

While we rely on nursing homes to care for our loved ones in their later years, that trust can be broken. Understaffing – whether due to management putting profits over patients or due to simple mismanagement – can put elderly people at risk of neglect and abuse. This mistreatment can lead to financial strain, illness, severe injury or even death.

If you believe that your loved one has been mistreated by the people who were meant to care for them, Steele Ritchie can help. We know that the people of Alabama rely on nursing homes to care for the people they love, and we are dedicated to holding those who abuse that trust responsible for their actions. Our personal injury attorneys will work to get the compensation you need to properly care for the elderly people in your life and to prevent others from suffering the same abuse or neglect.

The Signs Of Nursing Home Abuse

Abuse in nursing homes can take a variety of different forms: physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse and even financial abuse. Because caregivers are in a position of power over the lives of patients in nursing homes, this abuse can often go unnoticed. Signs of abuse to look for include:

  • Unexplained bruises, broken bones, dislocations or sprains
  • Rope marks and other signs of restraint
  • Unexplained bleeding or bruising near the genitals, STDs or infections
  • Caregivers refusing to let you be alone with the nursing home patient
  • Caregivers belittling or threatening patients
  • Missing money from an elderly person’s room or withdrawals from their bank account

If you suspect that your loved one is being abused, don’t wait – contact an attorney today. Your lawyer can help ensure that the suspected abuse is investigated properly and can be stopped before other innocent residents are harmed.

When Caregivers Are Negligent

Whether caused by understaffing or staff simply not doing their jobs properly, negligence in a nursing home can be just as damaging to your loved ones’ emotional and physical wellbeing as abuse can. Negligence can include:

  • Dirty conditions including soiled bed clothing or improperly cleaned facilities
  • Hazardous living conditions including improper heating, faulty plumbing or fire hazards
  • Improper patient care like lack of bathing or not turning bedridden patients regularly to prevent bedsores
  • Improper administration of medication including missing doses or administering incorrect medication
  • Failure to ensure that patients eat and drink regularly, leading to weight loss or dehydration
  • Improper supervision leading to falls and other accidents

This negligence, like any form of medical malpractice, can damage your loved one’s health and safety. If your loved one has experienced harm as a result, your attorney can help you seek compensation for the cost of treating the injuries they have experienced and to offset their pain and suffering.

Together, We Can Hold Nursing Home Staff Accountable

Has your loved one been mistreated by the staff at their nursing home? Contact our experienced attorneys today through our online contact form or by phone at 251-666-1212.