A Shreveport Personal Injury Lawyer Explains
When our loved ones enter nursing homes, we expect the facility to provide a safe environment and reliable care. Unfortunately, a significant number of retirement homes are understaffed or poorly managed, and the residents suffer the consequences.
Nursing home abuse or negligence is a tragic yet very real problem in Louisiana. Physical harm is just one form of abuse. Medication errors, emotional neglect and a failure to provide basic needs can cause mental and physical suffering.
If you or a loved one was the victim of nursing home abuse in Louisiana, contact Morris Bart. A Shreveport personal-injury lawyer can determine if you may have grounds for a claim.
For a free legal consultation, call 800-537-8185
Report Nursing Home Abuse Immediately
As soon as you suspect nursing home abuse, discuss the situation with the staff. The issue may be a simple misunderstanding. However, if you find physical evidence of abuse or neglect, such as bedsores or unexplained bruises, the Administration for Community Living recommends that you contact the police.
You should also contact the Office of Aging & Adult Services by calling 1-800-898-4910. Even if the abuse happened in the past, it is critical that you notify the proper authorities. An immediate response not only can save your loved one from further abuse, but it may also protect other residents from the same mistreatment.
The Office of Aging and Adult Services helps vulnerable adults who are older than 18 and live in non-regulated and unlicensed settings. It also oversees the abuse policy in facilities that the Department of Health & Hospitals administers.
Information to Provide When Reporting Nursing Home Negligence
When you report the abuse or neglect, be sure to provide the victim’s full name, address and contact information. You should also share every detail about the suspected misconduct. You may have to answer questions about the victim’s medical history and family.
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Advice for Victims of Nursing Home Abuse
If a nurse or health-care worker is abusing you, it is important to remember that you are not alone. Whether you were the victim of abuse, exploitation or neglect, call the Eldercare Locator helpline immediately at 1-800-677-1116.
As the victim of nursing home abuse, you may be able to file a civil claim against the at-fault party. Although no amount of money can undo the emotional trauma, you may be entitled to compensation to pay for health-care costs and other damages that resulted from the mistreatment.
What Are the Most Common Types of Nursing Home Abuse?
According to statistics published by the National Center on Elder Abuse, the most common type of nursing home abuse is physical abuse. Psychological abuse is the second-most common form, followed by gross neglect. Other types of abuse include sexual assault and financial exploitation.
A Shreveport injury attorney from Morris Bart can guide you through the claims process. Our firm has been representing the injured for more than 30 years. Call 800-537-8185 to schedule a consultation.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
