Georgia and Tennessee Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys

Elderly people often need more care than other people because they may be more fragile or they may have more health related needs. We all want to be able to care for our loved ones on our own but sometimes this just is not possible. The next best thing is to find your loved one a nursing home that will take good care of them and make sure they are properly cared for. Unfortunately, many nursing homes do not have enough staff or enough training to prevent nursing home abuse and neglect from occurring. In the United States, over half a million reports of elderly abuse are seen by authorities but many more cases of abuse are not reported. If you think that someone you care about may have been abused or neglected while in a nursing home, then you should talk to a nursing home abuse and neglect lawyer at the Higgins Firm. We will review your case and will see to it that you receive the compensation you may be entitled to by law.

What are some types of nursing home abuse and neglect that can occur?

In Georgia nursing homes and other nursing homes, there is more than one type of abuse. If a person suffers abuse and neglect in a nursing home, it can take many different forms. Some types of nursing home abuse and neglect that can occur may include:

• Physical Abuse This includes using force on purpose to cause injury, pain, or problems. Some examples are: hitting or shoving, using restraints, over-medicating or under-medicating a resident, or holding them down.
• Neglect that causes emotional abuse or harm This may include yelling at or threatening a resident. This can also be picking on a resident or causing them to be humiliated. If a resident is being ignored or feels isolated from other residents, friends or family, this can also be considered emotional abuse or neglect.
• Neglect or harm of a sexual nature This is any contact with a resident without their consent. This may include: physical activities, making a resident watch or look at sexual material, or making a resident undress in front of someone against their will.
• Abuse or neglect that causes financial harm This includes accessing a residents’ accounts without their consent or knowledge or stealing of their property or money. It can also include forging a resident’s signature on documents or stealing their identity. It may also mean charging residents or their families for care that isn’t being given or being given money for giving a resident certain medication they do not need.

What are some ways a Georgia nursing home can prevent abuse or neglect?

Nursing homes are supposed to care and protect our loved ones. They are required by law to take certain steps to prevent abuse or neglect. Some of the ways this abuse can be prevented are:

• Making an individual care plan for people that are at a higher risk for abuse or neglect
• Providing education and proper training for nursing home staff
• Employing more staff at the nursing homes to care for the residents
• Paying closer attention to residents’ medical records, charts, needs and wants.
• Visit your loved one or elderly friend often while they are in the nursing home

What should I do if suspect nursing home abuse or neglect?

If you suspect your loved one has been the victim of abuse or neglect or if you have seen signs of abuse, you should discuss your concerns with nursing home administration. If this does not work, you should speak to someone at the Health Department or Adult Protective Services about your case of abuse. Then, you should contact one of our knowledgeable and caring nursing home abuse and neglect lawyers with the Higgins Firm. We care about our clients and will do all we can to get you the compensation you deserve for the abuse and neglect your loved one has endured.

Please contact us today online or by calling 800.705.2121 to discuss your legal options.