Bertram & Graf, L.L.C.
4717 Grand Avenue, Suite 800
Kansas City, MO 64112
Phone: 800.200.6303
Fax: 816.523.8258
8400 E. Prentice Ave., Penthouse Suite
Greenwood Village, CO 80111
Phone: 303.409.7711
Fax: 303.409.7714
Nursing Home Abuse
Nursing home abuse is defined as the neglect, mistreatment, or harming of a resident in a medical care facility. Nursing home abuse can occur in a variety of forms – including physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, and financial exploitation. Although federal health and safety statutes are in place to protect vulnerable residents from abuse, a 2001 congressional report found that one of every three nursing homes was cited for an abuse violation in a two-year period. Furthermore, nearly 10 percent of these violations were serious enough to cause actual harm to the residents or to place the residents in immediate jeopardy of serious injury or death. At Bertram & Graf, we are experienced in litigation involving abuse of nursing home residents. We can help you hold responsible parties liable for their actions. Contact our nursing home abuse lawyers today for a consultation.
Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
The National Center on Elder Abuse estimates that for every case of nursing home abuse, neglect, or exploitation reported to the authorities, five incidents are not reported. Because elder abuse is generally committed by trusted authority figures, many victims are often afraid, unwilling, or unable to report it. For this reason, it is imperative that family members are familiar with the warning signs of nursing home abuse and understand what constitutes neglect.
Signs of nursing home abuse include:
- Injuries resulting from restraint or lack of restraint
- Bed sores and ulcers
- Broken bones and/or unexplained falls
- Excessive and/or rapid weight loss
- Open wounds, cuts, bruises, or welts
- Unexplained or unexpected death
Nursing home neglect includes:
- Failure to provide appropriate food, clothing, and shelter
- Failure to prevent or treat malnutrition and dehydration
- Failure to assist in personal hygiene
- Failure to prevent falls
- Failure to provide appropriate medical care
- Failure to timely change medical devices such as catheters and feeding tubes
If you suspect a loved one is or has been the victim of elder abuse or nursing home neglect, contact our lawyers immediately.
Reporting Nursing Home Abuse
If you suspect that a loved one has been the victim of nursing home abuse, or if you have suffered because of nursing home abuse or neglect, it is important to immediately document and report the problem. Put your report in writing, date it, and keep it in a safe place. Include the following information in your report:
- The name, age, and address of the victim
- The name of the facility and the people responsible for the victim's care
- The identity of the person who you believe abused or neglected the victim
- The nature and extent of harm and any physical signs of abuse or neglect
- A description of any previous incidents
- The place where the incident happened and time and date of the incident
A copy of your nursing home abuse report should be submitted to:
- The facility’s administrator, director of nursing, and social worker
- The State Board of Nursing Home Administrators
- The local police or state law enforcement.
- A protection and advocacy or adult protective services agency
Our attorneys can help you make and submit this report, and they can help you get the compensation to which you are entitled. Contact Bertram & Graf, L.L.C. and schedule a consultation today.