A Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Can Help You and Your Family Obtain the Justice You Deserve
Choosing to place a loved one in a nursing home can be a very difficult decision. Your loved one deserves to be treated with compassionate, experienced care. Unfortunately, nursing home abuse and neglect are all too common. Because the elderly are often unwilling or unable to complain, this behavior can continue for years. If you have noticed signs of neglect, the attorneys at Dunne, Dunne & Cohen, LLC are ready to help. Our team of nursing home abuse lawyers have been serving clients in the state of New Jersey from their Kearny and Hoboken, NJ, offices for over 45 years. We do not tolerate nursing home abuse, and we are ready to fight tirelessly if you or your loved one has been the victim of such behavior. Contact our practice online or call us at (201) 998-2727 today to schedule a case evaluation.
What Is Nursing Home Abuse?
Nursing home abuse can take many forms. Some types of abuse may be classified as neglect. In these cases, caregivers do not provide the physical, medical, or emotional support that a nursing home resident requires. For example, they could fail to provide certain medications or they may not assist the elderly with daily tasks, such as using the restroom. In severe cases, nursing home residents may not even receive proper meals.
You and your loved one may be entitled to significant compensation to cover the cost of medical bills, counseling, and pain and suffering.
Abuse is classified as malicious behavior with the intent to harm. One common form of abuse is financial. Nursing home caregivers often have access to residents' financial information. They also have significant influence over the elderly and can often convince them to make financial decisions that will benefit the abuser. Abuse could manifest physically or emotionally. The latter occurs when caregivers shame or blame their patients.
Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
Unfortunately, many elderly people are not aware that they are suffering from abuse. This is especially true if they are the victims of financial or emotional abuse. In other cases, they may be unable or unwilling to report such behavior, often out of fear. It is important for family members and loved ones to be aware of the signs of abuse, so they can intervene accordingly. These can include:
- Unexplained fractures, bruises, lacerations, or other injuries
- Soiled clothing
- Bedsores
- Unsanitary conditions in the nursing home
- Malnutrition or unexplained weight loss
- Sudden or unexplained death
- Reluctance to speak in front of nursing home employees
- Agitated behavior, resistance to touch, and/or aggressive behavior
- Fear and anxiety
- Withdrawal
You may also notice sudden, unexplained changes in banking habits or important financial documents, such as wills or trusts.
How Dunne, Dunne & Cohen Can Help
If you have noticed any possible signs of abuse, you should immediately report the suspected behavior to an appropriate patient advocate or social worker. Taking this important step can often prevent other victims from being abused. You should also find a personal injury attorney to help with the often complex legal issues that may follow. You and your loved one may be entitled to significant compensation to cover the cost of medical bills, counseling, and pain and suffering.
Our team at Dunne, Dunne & Cohen has spent over 45 years representing clients in cases involving personal injury law, including medical malpractice. We understand the most effective legal strategies for such cases. We will conduct a complete investigation to uncover the signs of abuse and build a convincing argument. Then we will fight tirelessly on your behalf in negotiation or, if needed, in court. Our team handles each case with the utmost compassion and sensitivity. In addition to representing you in legal matters, we can help you find a safe new home for your loved one.
Contact Us for Legal Assistance
If you suspect nursing home abuse, it is important to act immediately. Your actions can protect your loved one and others from being victimized. Contact us online or call us at (201) 998-2727 today to schedule your initial consultation at Dunne, Dunne & Cohen.