Hobbs Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

The Difference Between Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

You may file a nursing home abuse lawsuit for acts of abuse as well as neglect. While ultimately abuse and neglect both cause harm to nursing home residents, it is important to distinguish between the two so that you and your lawyer can succinctly argue your case. Although it will be difficult to revisit the details of the harm that was caused to your family member, demonstrating the exact ways in which they were wronged is necessary for securing compensation.

Nursing Home Abuse

Nursing home abuse occurs when staff and other caretakers at nursing home facilities cause intentional harm to residents. Your loved one might have been the victim of one or more of the following types of abuse:

• Physical Abuse – Hitting, kicking, biting, pinching, or using unnecessary physical restraints are all considered forms of physical abuse. Physical abuse may worsen existing medical conditions or create new health concerns.
• Emotional and Psychological Abuse – Abuse is not always physical. Verbal threats, insults, and put downs can cause immense psychological distress among victims, limiting their enjoyment in life. It is not uncommon for victims of emotional or psychological abuse to become withdrawn or stop caring for themselves.
• Financial Abuse – Any time that a nursing home resident’s money or valuable belongings are taken from them, it is considered financial abuse. Using a victim’s debit card, taking their retirement funds, forging checks, or stealing valuable items out of their room all fall under the umbrella of financial abuse.
• Sexual Abuse – Unwanted touching (particularly of the genitals or breasts), forced nudity, forced unwanted observation of sexual acts, or any type of non-consensual sexual contact is considered sexual abuse.

Always believe a loved one who reports suffering physical, emotional, psychological, financial, or sexual abuse, and take the necessary steps to get them to safety. Remember that many victims of abuse are too afraid to tell anyone what is going on, so never hesitate to make your concerns known and to take action for their safety.

Nursing Home Neglect

While abuse is an intentional act to cause harm, nursing home neglect is a lack of action and care that results in harm to residents. Examples of nursing home abuse that we see far too often include:

• Failure to administer medications
• Not giving residents sufficient food and water
• Failing to treat illnesses or injuries
• Insufficient supervision while eating or during physical activities
• Not changing bedding or clothing on a regular basis

Failing to provide basic needs such as health care, food, and a clean environment can cause irreparable harm to residents.

Should You Hire a Hobbs Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer?

Nursing homes frequently deny any accusations of abuse or neglect. When it is just you and your family member’s word against a company and its insurer, your chances of securing maximum compensation are minimal. The nursing home abuse lawyers at Buckingham & Vega Law Firm refuse to let any of our clients be pressured or bullied into settling for anything less than they are owed.

When you work alongside the experienced attorneys at our law firm, you’ll never have to worry about missing deadlines for paperwork or dealing with the insurance company and can focus on being by your loved one’s side.

Don’t let abusive nursing home facilities continue operating unchecked. Our Hobbs nursing home abuse lawyers can help you hold those who harmed your loved one accountable for their actions.

Call us at (505) 388-0066 or fill out this form.

Compensation in Nursing Home Abuse Cases

Depending on a victim’s age and the severity of their injuries, recovering from nursing home abuse or neglect can be a life-long effort. Victims who are already living on a fixed retirement income are unlikely to have the resources to fully address the extent of the harm they suffered. Nursing home abuse lawsuits seek to provide compensation for our elderly loved ones who have suffered at the hands of others, which can help address damages such as:

• Medical bills
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional or psychological trauma
• Funeral expenses