Physical Abuse in Lakewood Nursing Homes

Instances of abuse in nursing homes pose a threat to our most vulnerable loved ones. Physical abuse of nursing home residents can lead to severe injuries that they might struggle to recover from, given their age and physical ailments. Any act intended to inflict harm on a nursing home resident is unlawful, and facilities that allow abuse should be held accountable.

Physical abuse in Lakewood nursing homes can take many forms, and it is critical to pay attention to any warning signs. If you suspect your loved one suffered physical abuse in a nursing home, call law enforcement, remove them from the facility, and get legal help as soon as possible. A nursing home abuse attorney could support you through this challenging time and help you seek justice for your loved one.

Warning Signs of Physical Abuse

There are limited circumstances when a nursing home employee can lawfully use force against a resident. Specifically, employees should only use physical force to protect someone from inflicting harm on themselves or others. When an employee uses physical force intended to inflict harm, they engage in the active abuse of nursing home residents.

Physical abuse in Lakewood elder care facilities can include an employee pushing, slapping, pinching, or kicking a resident. Active abuse can also involve an employee inappropriately using drugs on a nursing home resident. It is not unheard of for nurses to use excessive drugs on certain patients to render them immobile and not have to address their needs.

Though evidence of severe injuries sustained in a nursing home may be difficult to hide, it is crucial to be mindful of more minor injuries. Signs of physical abuse can include:

• Bruises
• Burns
• Welts on the skin
• Cuts or lacerations
• Broken and fractured bones
• Head or dental injuries

It is also essential to pay attention to the general well-being of your loved one in a nursing home, as insomnia, poor hygiene, and poor mental health can all be signs of neglect and abuse. A skilled attorney could help gather and evaluate the evidence available to determine if abuse has occurred and what legal action can be taken.

Nursing Home Residents Are Vulnerable to Abuse

Nursing home residents are among the most vulnerable populations and are in these facilities because they depend on others for their daily needs. Physical abuse occurs because employees know residents rely on them and believe they are easy to take advantage of without consequences. Individual characteristics such as disability, poor physical health, cognitive impairments, and low income may increase the vulnerability of a nursing home resident to suffering physical abuse.

Another factor that increases the risk of physical abuse is when a nursing home resident in Lakewood does not live near family or does not receive many visitors. Nursing home employees know which residents have family and loved ones checking on them and may neglect residents who do not have nearby family holding them accountable. It is critical to frequently check on loved ones in nursing homes and seek legal counsel as soon as there are any signs of abuse.

Contact a Dedicated Attorney if You Suspect Physical Abuse in a Lakewood Nursing Home

Employees in nursing homes have a legal obligation to keep their residents safe. Physical abuse occurs because of the power employees believe they have over residents, but it is an illegal and unjust act that can have devastating consequences. A compassionate attorney could work with you to investigate the nature of your loved one’s abuse and build a case on their behalf.

No one wants a family member stuck in a facility where they are in harm’s way. If you suspect physical abuse in a Lakewood nursing home, reach out to us now so we can get to work.