Abuse in nursing homes is a common phenomenon. The victim can experience severe consequences due to the abuse. Therefore, if you have a loved one who is being mistreated while under a caregiver, you may be eligible for reparation through our Clifton nursing home abuse lawyer. Contact Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi P.C. at (201) 585-9111 for guidance on the next step.

Why Choose a Clifton Nursing Home Lawyer

Through the Center for Medicare & Medical Services, the government monitors whether nursing homes are offering quality care as they should. State and federal governments also have measures to ensure those in residential homes undergo the right care they deserve. If some nursing homes fail to follow these regulations, they can pay fines, other related penalties, and even attract lawsuits.

Despite the government’s stringent measures to ensure those in nursing homes get the best care, statistics reveal that over a million of those in these homes face some form of abuse every year. If your loved one is neglected in a nursing home, a lawyer can guide you throughout the process of fighting for the victim’s rights.

These cases can be strenuous and lengthy, causing an immense emotional and physical drain to those who do not know how the process works. However, an attorney can walk with you and use years of experience to push for fair compensation.

Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi P.C. has a team that is ready to help you in every phase of the case. We know how challenging it can be when a loved one sustains severe injuries, so we will work tirelessly for the best outcome.

Understanding Nursing Home Laws and Regulations

Many federal and state laws exist to protect American citizens living in nursing homes and assisted facilities. Nevertheless, this does not stop abuse from happening, so it is critical for residents and their relatives to know their rights and pursue legal action when mistreatment occurs. According to the laws governing nursing homes, the facilities should have a proper standard of care for all residents.

The New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS) collaborates with other private and public institutions and provides oversight in nursing homes for quality care. Their work includes auditing of nursing homes and investigation of any complaints that may arise.

In most cases, these may be allegations of neglect or abuse made by either the relatives of the victims or other residents. The pursuit of such a claim helps to be done with a Clifton nursing home abuse lawyer who understands the legal process and can build a strong case.

Types of Abuse in Nursing Homes

While they should focus on ensuring a peaceful and happy existence of their clients, some nursing homes are only into profit-making. Sadly, some people end up dying due to devastating injuries caused by their caregivers.

The common types of injuries and negligence are discussed below.

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse occurs when a healthcare provider uses violence or excessive force towards a nursing home resident, resulting in impairment, pain, or injury. This may be considered neglect in a nursing facility environment.

If this happens to your loved one, inform Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi P.C. immediately by calling us at (201) 585-9111.

Be on the lookout for signs of physical abuse, including long-term bedsores, malnutrition, dehydration, weight loss, sepsis, and abrasions.

Do you suspect that your loved one may be going through physical abuse in a nursing facility? You can contact the staff to seek satisfactory answers. If they fail to rectify the situation, remove the victim from the assisted living home and report it to the relevant authorities.

Psychological and Emotional Abuse

Psychological abuse can include manipulation of victims (either emotionally or verbally) to control how they behave by reducing their identity, dignity, and self-worth. This kind of abuse can be in the form of aggression, intimidation, and humiliation.

The signs of emotional abuse of a resident in a nursing home include:

  • Depression and withdrawal
  • Sudden changes in sleeping and eating patterns
  • Appearing hopeless, disturbed, and scared
  • Avoiding eye contact

It is not easy to identify physical and emotional mistreatment in a nursing home facility, and in many cases, it may not be reported.

Do not let your loved one continue suffering in the hands of uncaring people; consult a Clifton nursing home abuse lawyer.

Sexual Abuse

This is a sexual behavior by an individual to another without consent. Such situations can happen in a nursing home, especially to those who have a mental illness and are unable to communicate appropriately.

The signs to look out for include:

  • Bloody, stained, or torn underwear
  • Pelvic injury without proper explanation
  • Bruises on genitals or inner thighs
  • Bleeding and irritation of the genitals

Financial Abuse

The risk of financial exploitation increases with age, especially after retirement. Financial abuse often happens when someone else uses a resident’s assets, property, and funds illegally. A nursing home or an employee at the facility can perpetuate this behavior.

The signs of financial abuse include:

  • Frequent checks to caregivers
  • Unexplained changes to financial documents or a will
  • Addition of names to financial accounts
  • Transfer of assets without explanation

Contact Us for Legal Help Today

Many kinds of research on abuse of elderly in nursing homes focus on the effects of such incidences, but not the reasons they happen. The National Institute for Justice (NIJ) reveals several causes of neglect, such as wanting to solve problems through the use of force, lack of proper training, inadequate staffing, and negligence while hiring staff members.

Abuse of the elderly is rampant in the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), neglect is prevalent in assisted living homes and understaffed nursing facilities. Please do not allow the trend to continue; consult our Clifton nursing home abuse lawyer for legal assistance. Call Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi P.C. at (201) 585-9111 for your free consultation.