Residents of nursing homes are meant to be protected, treated well, and respected. However, when abuse occurs against a nursing home resident, the damage done can be varied and severe. Not only may a resident face physical or sexual abuse, but he or she may be financially exploited as well. Different forms of abuse may result in different damages, but filing a lawsuit with the help of a skilled injury attorney may help recover compensation for your loved one.

No nursing home abuse should be left ignored. A Louisa County nursing home abuse lawyer could help you fight back against this mistreatment and seek financial compensation on your loved one’s behalf.

Abuse of Nursing Home Residents in Louisa County

Elderly individuals who suffer harm while in a nursing home are especially susceptible to serious injury. This can occur through intentional abuse, passive neglect, employee negligence, and much more. The Virginia Department of Health Professions establishes laws and regulations that dictate many of the standards long-term care facilities and nursing homes must follow. Violations of these rules and standards qualify as wrongful conduct and could be compensable in a nursing home abuse lawsuit.

Unfortunately, nursing home abuse is a frequent occurrence. The way in which a person is abused can vary, including, but not limited to:

  • Unlawful confinement
  • Emotional abuse
  • Passive neglect
  • Financial exploitation of residents
  • Willful deprivation of resident needs
  • Isolation from family members and friends
  • Sexual or physical abuse

These types of abuse may subject a nursing home and its employees to financial liability for their actions. An experienced attorney familiar with nursing home abuse claims in Louisa County could help you to protect your loved one’s rights.

Protection of Incapacitated Adults: Mandatory Reporting

Virginia Code § 63.2-1606 obligates certain types of individuals to report the abuse of nursing home residents. Failure to do so may result in action against that individual, and it could also have implications in a nursing home abuse lawsuit. This is especially true when the individuals who failed to report work for the nursing home that caused the abuse.

Many individuals are expected to report if they see signs of possible abuse, which could include:

  • Sexually transmitted diseases
  • Unexplained injuries
  • Dehydration and malnutrition
  • Loss of resident possession
  • Sudden changes in wills, bank accounts, or other financial dealings
  • Staff refusal to allow visitors

These signs should be reported by mandated reporters, but they may also indicate evidence of abuse to family members. Family members who suspect nursing home abuse or know it has occurred should contact a Louisa County lawyer as soon as possible for assistance in investigating the claim.

Parties Responsible for Nursing Home Abuse

Many different parties could be held responsible for a case of nursing home abuse. The perpetrator is generally liable, but any others who participated or allowed the abuse could also be included in the claim. Employers may also be responsible for the acts of their employees who negligently or intentionally caused harm to residents.

Determination of the proper parties in nursing home abuse cases is a complex matter best left to the guidance of a knowledgeable local attorney.

Utilize the Skill of a Louisa County Nursing Home Abuse Attorney

Nursing home abuse cases require proper investigation, proof that the abuse occurred, and evidence of the defendant’s responsibility. Multiple parties may be responsible for the conduct, and each must be proven to be at fault to win financial compensation.

An experienced Louisa County nursing home abuse lawyer is prepared to seek compensation in your case. Contact The Warren Firm today for a private consultation.