Arlington Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

The majority of elder abuse victims have no one but their loved ones to notice and report signs of abuse. Since many victims are understandably afraid to speak up about their injuries or what is happening to them, you must be prepared to be a strong advocate on behalf of your loved one. Here are the types and signs of abuse that anyone who has a parent or grandparent in a nursing home should be aware of.

Physical Abuse

The use of intentional force to cause harm falls under the category of physical abuse. Signs that a nursing home patient may be the victim of ongoing physical abuse include:

• Unexplained bruises and injuries
• Broken eyeglasses or frames
• Signs of physical restraint, including lacerations on wrists

A facility that fails to protect residents from abusive staff members or other patients, or that actively encourages the physical mishandling of vulnerable patients, can be held liable in court for any harm it caused.

Emotional Abuse

The National Center on Elder Abuse defines emotional abuse as “the infliction of anguish, pain, or distress through verbal or nonverbal acts.” Any attempt to threaten, intimidate, humiliate, harass, or insult a family member may constitute psychological abuse. Signs to watch for include:

• Extreme withdrawal or refusal to speak
• Physical manifestations of trauma (such as rocking back and forth)
• Emotional upset
• Unexplained agitation

The transition period from living at home to moving into an Arlington, TX nursing home can be challenging. However, do not hesitate to contact a nursing home abuse attorney if you believe your loved one’s change in behavior is attributable to anything other than the challenges associated with this move.

Financial Abuse

The financial exploitation of our elderly loved ones is a rampant problem, especially in residential living facilities that house patients with memory conditions, including dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other forms of cognitive decline. Contact a nursing home abuse attorney right away if you notice any of the following:

• Sudden or unexpected changes to a loved one’s will
• Abrupt changes in banking practices or unexplained withdrawals
• The presence of a new name on a bank signature card
• Missing items of value from a resident’s room

Sexual Abuse

Any type of non-consensual sexual contact or act with an elderly person falls under the category of sexual abuse. Unwanted touching, fondling, penetration, or forced viewing of sexual acts can lead to lasting physical and emotional injury among victims. Signs that your loved one is being abused include:

• Bruises, especially around the genitals or breasts
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• Stained, torn, or bloody undergarments

Always believe your loved one if they report being harmed by a staff member. If you’re not sure how to take actionable steps with the information your loved one gives you, our nursing home abuse and neglect attorneys can support you through the process of seeking justice and compensation on their behalf.

Nursing home malpractice, medical malpractice, and any action that causes harm to nursing home patients should never be allowed to continue. Contact our Arlington office today to learn how we can help.

An Arlington Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Is Standing By

At Buckingham & Vega Law Firm, we don’t believe that abusive and neglectful nursing home staff should be allowed to continue engaging in these behaviors without recourse. At our law firm, our lawyers specialize in areas of law pertaining to abuse, neglect, injury, and wrongful death. Our dedication to accident and injury victims in Arlington, Tarrant County, and the greater Texas area is unrivaled.

Anyone who has suffered abuse or neglect within nursing homes is urged to contact us online or by phone to schedule a meeting. We’ll match you with an Arlington nursing home abuse lawyer for a free initial consultation.