A NJ Nursing Home Lawyer on Physical Abuse in Nursing Homes
Few decisions are more difficult than placing a loved one in the care of a nursing facility. At times, there really is no other choice, and one would hope at least that the home where the elderly person is placed is safe and compassionate. Unfortunately, however, physical abuse is not uncommon in nursing facilities. Should you believe that your loved one has suffered abuse, it is very important that you speak with a NJ nursing home attorney.
A NJ Nursing Home Lawyer Discusses Abuse of the Frail and Incapacitated
Physical abuse can be thought of as any forcing of an individual against his or her will that causes pain and/or physical injury. As a NJ nursing home attorney can attest, sadly, many of those who are too frail or elderly to care for themselves are regularly subjected to such acts of force. Given that the elderly and incapacitated are wholly at the mercy of caregivers, physical force is all the more egregious.
A NJ nursing home attorney can tell you that numerous actions can be considered as physically abusive. It should be kept in mind that injuries to nursing home residents can occur that are not related to abuse; the factor that distinguishes abuse from accident is intention or neglect. Examples of physical abuse include:
- Slapping, hitting, punching or striking
- Kicking the resident
- Pushing
- Shaking
- Restraining
- Forcing an action such as eating or drinking
- Burning
- Pinching
- Intentionally tripping
Indeed, while any of the above can cause injury, your NJ nursing home attorney will tell you that those who are frail and/or elderly are all the more susceptible.
A NJ Nursing Home Lawyer on Signs to Look for
If your loved one is suffering physical abuse, he or she may try to tell you. However, as a NJ nursing home attorney will attest, often residents are afraid to do so for fear of retaliation. After all, once visitors are gone, they are again at the mercy of the abuser. Any sign of withdrawal, depression, unexplained fear or other emotional change may be a sign that your loved one is being physically abused. Look for physical signs, such as bruises. Should the facility try to restrict your visitation privileges, this is often a tell-tale sign that they are trying to hide something as well.
Contact a NJ Nursing Home Attorney Today
If you believe that your loved one is being physically abused, you should notify the police and then contact a NJ nursing home attorney to determine what legal remedy you may pursue. Call the Clark Law Firm, PC today to arrange a consultation at 877-841-8855.
