Safeguard Your Family Members From Nursing Home Abuse Or Neglect
Respect your elders. From the time most of us were children, we heard that phrase. You love and respect your parents and grandparents and you want the best for them. Yet not everyone respects, honors and cares for them properly. Sometimes, they are abused at a place where they should be safe.
If you placed your loved one in someone’s care, you expect them to get respect and care. If your parent, grandparent or another family member or friend suffered nursing home abuse or neglect in Suwanee, Atlanta or anywhere in Georgia, call our personal injury attorneys at Kenney & Medina, P.C.
Senior Abuse Is Unacceptable
Abuse happens when someone intentionally neglects or physically harms someone. When that is a child, a vulnerable adult or a senior citizen, it is offensive and illegal.
Georgia law classifies abuse as:
- Emotional abuse
- Financial exploitation
- Neglect
- Physical abuse
Abusers can be caregivers, family members and people who are legally bound to act in the best financial or personal interests of someone. Caregivers is a broad term, but it includes administrators, doctors, home health care aides, nurses, nursing home assistants and nursing home support staff.
Our seniors should be respected and honored, not abused and ignored. Unfortunately, elder and senior citizens are too frequently treated this way. Nursing homes and assisted living centers have statewide standards they must adhere to. When they fall short, they can be held legally accountable.
Residents of nursing homes have the right for:
- Appropriate care
- Discrimination free environment
- Freedom of choice
- A proper diet
- Freedom from physical or chemical restraints, including isolation and restrictions
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing Home Abuse
Below are answers to some common questions about nursing home abuse and neglect in Georgia.
How do I know if abuse or neglect is occurring?
Recognizing nursing home abuse and neglect can be challenging, as signs may be subtle at first. Watch for both physical and behavioral indicators that something might be wrong, including:
- Unexplained bruises, cuts or welts
- Bedsores or pressure ulcers
- Sudden weight loss or dehydration
- Poor hygiene or unclean living conditions
- Unusual depression or anxiety
- Sudden changes in mood or personality
- Fear or nervousness around certain staff members
- Reluctance to speak when staff is present
If you notice any combination of these signs, document them and speak with a qualified attorney about your observations.
How much time do I have to report nursing home abuse or neglect in Georgia?
In Georgia, you generally have two years from the date the abuse or neglect occurred to file a personal injury lawsuit against a nursing home. However, there are exceptions to this statute of limitations, such as if there were criminal charges involved or concealed abuse. Don’t wait to take action if you suspect abuse. Report suspected abuse to Georgia’s Healthcare Facility Regulation Division right away to protect your loved one’s rights and well-being.
What can you sue a nursing home for?
Nursing homes have a legal duty to provide proper care for their residents. When they fail to meet this obligation, they may be held legally responsible for various forms of misconduct.
- Physical abuse or assault
- Medical neglect or improper medical care
- Wrongful death
- Financial exploitation
- Emotional abuse
- Violations of residents’ rights under Georgia law
Understanding your legal options can help you make informed decisions about protecting your loved one’s rights and dignity.
Why should I hire a Georgia nursing home abuse lawyer?
Working with an experienced attorney can make a significant difference in your nursing home abuse case. A lawyer familiar with Georgia nursing home regulations can help uncover evidence of negligence, document injuries properly, identify responsible parties, and handle communications with insurance companies, allowing families to focus on their loved ones’ care and recovery.
Your Family Members Living At Nursing Homes Have Rights
Your parents and grandparents have rights. They are entitled to not be abused or criminally neglected. The laws that protect them can be complex and confusing.
Too often, senior citizens are taken advantage of, abused or neglected. Contact us if you suspect a family member or friend is being abused at a nursing home in or around Gwinnett County or by someone who should be caring for them. Call the lawyers in our law office at 770-676-3112 or email us.