Nursing Home Neglect in Los Angeles

Los Angeles Elder Abuse Lawyers: How to Prove Elder Abuse

Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

If you have a loved one in a nursing home, it pays to ensure they are not suffering from nursing home neglect or abuse. In general, the older your loved one is the more likely they are to be abused by their place of residence, especially if they are female. The residents that are most often abused are those suffering from dementia as well as those with mental disabilities. In at least a handful of cases, the abuser may also be suffering mentally. Regardless of their mental disability or lack of one, signs that an abuser is neglecting your loved one include dehydration, malnutrition and uncleanliness.

Elder abuse is more than just physical; it can also be psychological, emotional and verbal abuse. Sexual and financial abuse, as well as abandonment all fall into the category of elder abuse. These types of abuse are often inflicted on someone when their caretaker feels as if he or she is isolated.

There are warning signs for each type of abuse as well as for neglect. The signs of physical abuse include bruises, burns and pressure marks or ulcers that there is no justified reason for. In the case of psychological/emotional abuse any unusual changes in behavior are often the first warning sign. Others include withdrawing the victim from activities he or she regularly participates in and enjoys.

The main warning sign that your loved one is being sexually abused are bruised genitals and even diseases that can only be transmitted through sexual contact. The last type of abuse, and one not as likely to be found in nursing homes, is financial. Signs of financial abuse include trusts and wills that have suddenly been changed with no explanation, unexplained withdrawals from your loved one’s bank accounts and unauthorized changes to their bank account.

Nursing Home Neglect Statistics

The statistics are staggering when it comes to abuse in nursing homes. More than two million senior citizens are abused every year in the United States. Statistics prove that pressure ulcers have been inflicted on 10% of residents living in nursing homes. When those ulcers are stage two or worse, 35% of residents must receive wound care to treat the ulcers.

Elderly individuals that have been abused are more likely to die at a younger age than they should, at a rate of 300%. However, when this happens, it can be difficult to pinpoint, as death certificates don’t generally reflect the deceased dying from neglect.

Elder abuse lawyers in Los Angeles 

Hiring elder abuse lawyers is not something anyone wants to do, but if the situation calls for it, elder abuse lawyers in Los Angeles are your best bet. They are experienced in fighting for the rights of abused senior citizens and will do the same for your loved one.

The first step is to have the elder abuse reported. This can be done by contacting your local police department or calling Adult Protective Services. Once the abuse has been reported you can meet with a lawyer for a consultation on your case. They will walk you through the process of taking the nursing home to court.

Elder abuse lawyers will answer any questions you have about the process of pursuing justice. They will build a case against the nursing home in question and will fight to get justice.

Conclusion

Hiring an elder abuse lawyer is the best way to protect your loved one from further abuse. With so many cases of it going unreported in the United States it is important to hold guilty nursing homes responsible for their actions. Your lawyer will ensure that your loved one’s story is heard.