Salt Lake City Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
Nursing Home Abuse Attorney in Salt Lake City
Deciding to move to a nursing home is a big change. Whether it’s a personal choice or you are deciding for an elderly family member, it can take a lot of thought and shopping around for the perfect new home. A nursing home is chosen to be a safe place for elderly residents to coexist and engage with peers.
Unfortunately, nursing home abuse is shockingly high. This is not only applicable to Salt Lake City, but instead is a national conundrum. The National Center on Elder Abuse reports that a startling 10% of all patients receive some form of abuse from nursing home employees at some point during their stay. If this is happening to you or a family member, it is vital you protect yourself and your rights by speaking with a Salt Lake City nursing home abuse lawyer as soon as possible. The team of Salt Lake City nursing home abuse attorneys at Feller & Wendt has served the city for years and want to help you.
Common Examples of Nursing Home Abuse in Salt Lake City
Residents of a nursing home can be subjected to many forms of abuse. Common examples in Salt Lake City include the following:
Emotional
The most common form of endured abuse, emotional abuse can exist in many different forms. For residents who cannot take care of themselves or may have difficulty remembering things or doing basic tasks, a common form of emotional abuse is vocally belittling or making fun of the resident. Other forms would be threatening to withhold family visits or food. Emotional abuse can take a significant toll on residents, leaving them with depression, anxiety, and feelings of isolation and hopelessness.
Physical
Any reckless or negligent behavior that harms a resident physically is considered physical abuse. Any hitting or pushing of residents by staff is strictly prohibited and leaves them liable to sue.
It is also expected staff understand how to medicate the residents properly. Over or under medicating residents can leave them with severe physical ailments.
Abandonment
Often, you move into a nursing home because you require constant supervision and attention. Once you have moved in, the understanding is that you are taken care of. Failure to do so is a breach of the duty of care promised when you arrive. Abandonment can result in the resident injuring themselves or others out of fear, stress, or confusion.
How to Spot Nursing Home Abuse
It can be challenging to understand and spot nursing home abuse, especially if your family member or friend is suffering from an ailment that leaves with bad verbal skills or memory loss. Common signs of abuse can include:
- Alarming amounts of bruises or injuries
- Bedsores
- Lost weight or signs of no appetite
- Social withdrawal
- Sudden appearance of anxiety or depression, especially around the staff
- Unkempt appearance
If you suspect abuse, it is imperative you reach out to a Salt Lake City nursing home abuse attorney as soon as possible. They can immediately investigate the circumstances surrounding the apparent neglect and begin building a case.
How a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Can Help in Salt Lake City
A Salt Lake City nursing home abuse lawyer can help in various ways. These include, but are not limited to:
- Establishing liability: A knowledgeable attorney will help you establish that the nursing home or staff is abusive and negligent. This will be done through an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the resident’s living situation and the treatment by the staff. They can help establish a duty of care, breach, causation, and incurred damages.
- Gathering evidence: Evidence needed to file a claim and build your defense might include photographic evidence of injuries, eyewitness testimony, expert opinions, and even security camera footage.
Negligent behavior on behalf of the nursing home or its staff is grounds for a claim and leaves the victim eligible for damages. This includes compensation for medical bills, prescription medications needed because of injuries, incurred stress, depression, and anxiety.
Suspect Nursing Home Abuse in Salt Lake City? Consult With Feller & Wendt Today
A nursing home is meant to be a safe haven for those who cannot care for themselves. Anything that directly results in harm or fear for their safety is negligent and abusive. Feller & Wendt believes in a people-first approach and will handle your case with the compassion and respect it deserves. We understand that sometimes compensation is the only way for a victim to truly move on. For nursing home victims, compensation can be a way to find a better and safer environment.
We are prepared to fight for every last cent you deserve and will even take your case to court if need be. See how we can best help you today through a free consultation. You can reach our Salt Lake City nursing home abuse lawyers through our contact form or by phone at (801) 499-5060.
