Do You Need a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer in Indianapolis, IN?
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As the demand for nursing home care rises, so do instances of elder abuse. The Powless Law Firm stands committed to representing victims of these preventable and tragic injuries. With over 25 years of experience, Jeff Powless and his team are here to fight for you.
What is Nursing Home Abuse?
Nursing home abuse refers to harm, whether intentional or unintentional, inflicted on elderly residents in care facilities. It includes physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual misconduct, financial exploitation, and neglect. Neglect can result in dehydration, malnutrition, infections, bedsores, falls, and other serious health issues.
Read More: Is Your Nursing Home Taking Necessary Steps To Ensure Patient Safety?
Why Choose Powless Law Firm for Your Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuit
Experience. Competence. Compassion.
Our personal injury lawyers are prepared to fight for victims of nursing home abuse and neglect. We are proud of our record of success and honored to represent injured people in their times of need. With decades of success in nursing home abuse cases, Powless Law Firm is here to help when you need it most.
If you suspect that a loved one has been the victim of nursing home abuse, don’t wait. Call the Powless Law Firm at 877-769-5377 for your free consultation.
Common Signs of Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect
Nursing home abuse is disturbingly common. About 1 in 10 residents will experience some form of nursing home abuse. With 1.5 million Americans living in nursing homes, that is about 150,000 people. Family members should be vigilant about noting and reporting suspected cases of abuse as soon as possible.
If you or a loved one is a nursing home resident, watch for these common signs of nursing home abuse:
Unexplained Bruises or Injuries
Unexplained bruises or injuries in nursing home residents are often indicative of physical abuse or neglect. Aggressive handling, improper use of restraints, or violent acts can result in bruises. Bruises on sensitive areas—the face, neck, thighs, or genitals‚—are particularly concerning, as they may indicate sexual abuse. Document and investigate these injuries immediately to ensure the safety and well-being of the resident.
Poor Hygiene or Unsanitary Living Conditions
Poor hygiene can lead to serious health risks. Infections like pneumonia, UTIs, and skin conditions such as pressure ulcers can arise from unsanitary living conditions. Signs of nursing home neglect also include soiled bedding, dirty bathrooms, and body odor. Understaffing can lead to poor cleanliness standards, putting vulnerable residents at risk of illness and discomfort.
Emotional Agitation or Withdrawal
Emotional irritation or withdrawal are common symptoms of emotional abuse. Look for changes in behavior: isolation, fear around certain staff members, and signs of depression and anxiety. Demeaning comments, manipulation, and threats can lead to long-term psychological trauma if left unaddressed. Nursing homes or assisted living facilities can be held responsible for the emotional abuse of their residents.
Malnutrition or Dehydration
Malnutrition and dehydration occur when nursing home staff fail to provide adequate food and fluids to residents. These issues can lead to weight loss, weakness, kidney stones, and other serious health complications. Neglect in feeding practices can contribute to these conditions and may signal systemic issues within the facility’s care protocols.
Bedsores
Bedsores, also called pressure ulcers, are painful skin injuries caused by prolonged pressure on the body due to immobility. They are a clear sign of nursing home neglect; they only occur when caregivers fail to maintain their residents’ hygiene. If untreated, bedsores can develop into severe infections like septicemia or gangrene, posing life-threatening risks to elderly residents.
Financial Irregularities
Financial exploitation in nursing homes can take several forms. It may involve unauthorized bank withdrawals, identity theft, coerced changes to wills or trusts, and/or overcharging for services. Perpetrators may target residents who are particularly vulnerable, and reliant on caregivers for managing finances. Families should monitor financial accounts closely for unusual activity and report suspected abuse immediately.
If you believe you have a personal injury case against a nursing home facility, contact Powless Law Firm immediately for a free consultation at 877-769-5377.
Indiana State Department of Health Abuse and Neglect Resource Center
Types of Nursing Home Abuse
The Powless Law Firm handles cases involving:
General Neglect
Defined by: Failure to Provide Basic Necessities
General neglect occurs when nursing home staff fail to meet residents’ basic needs: food, hydration, medical care, or hygiene. Nursing home negligence can lead to serious health issues like malnutrition, dehydration, infections, or untreated medical conditions. Neglect may stem from understaffing, inadequate training, or intentional disregard for residents’ well-being. Families often notice signs such as weight loss, poor hygiene, or unsafe living conditions.
A nursing home abuse lawyer can help families hold facilities accountable for neglect. Lawyers investigate the case by gathering evidence such as medical records, witness statements, and facility logs to prove negligence. They can hold the facility liable and secure compensation for your medical expenses, emotional distress, and other damages.
Read More: Understanding Nursing Home Neglect: What Every Family Should Know
Physical Abuse
Defined by: Harm Caused by Hitting, Restraining, or Improper Handling
Physical abuse involves intentional harm inflicted on nursing home residents through actions like hitting, slapping, restraining, or improper handling. Elderly individuals are particularly vulnerable due to frailty and slower recovery times from injuries. Signs of physical abuse include unexplained bruises, fractures, burns, or scars. This abuse not only causes physical pain but also emotional trauma and fear of caregivers.
A nursing home abuse lawyer plays a crucial role in addressing physical abuse cases. They collect evidence—photos, medical reports, and witness testimony—to build a strong case against the facility. Nursing home abuse lawyers will file lawsuits and negotiate settlements to compensate victims for their damages.
Read More: Recognizing Physical Signs of Neglect or Abuse in Nursing Homes
Emotional Abuse
Defined by: Verbal Threats or Manipulation
Emotional abuse in nursing homes involves verbal threats, manipulation, intimidation, or isolation that causes psychological harm to residents. Over time, emotional abuse can lead to depression, anxiety, withdrawal from social interactions, and fear of caregivers. Common signs include sudden mood changes or reluctance to communicate with family members.
A nursing home abuse lawyer helps families address emotional abuse by investigating and exposing patterns of mistreatment. They ensure that victims receive justice by holding facilities accountable for fostering abusive environments and seeking compensation for psychological trauma.
Read More: The Impact of Isolation and Emotional Neglect on Nursing Home Residents
Sexual Abuse
Defined by: Any Form of Sexual Misconduct
Sexual abuse in nursing homes includes inappropriate touching, sexual assault, rape, or coercion involving elderly residents. It exploits vulnerable people who may be unable to defend themselves or report the misconduct due to cognitive decline. Signs include unexplained genital injuries, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), torn clothing, or sudden emotional distress.
A nursing home abuse lawyer helps victims and their families by thoroughly investigating allegations of sexual misconduct. They will work to hold perpetrators accountable and secure compensation for physical and emotional damages.
Financial Exploitation
Unauthorized Withdrawals, Coercion or Misrepresentation
Financial exploitation occurs when nursing home staff misuse residents’ funds in any way. This can mean unauthorized withdrawals, theft of property, coercion to alter wills or trusts, or fraudulent billing practices. Elderly individuals are often targeted due to cognitive decline or isolation from family oversight. Look for warning signs like changes to financial accounts, unpaid bills, or unexplained alterations in legal documents like wills.
A nursing home abuse lawyer can help uncover financial exploitation by analyzing banking records and legal documents. They may also need to interview witnesses who may have observed suspicious activities. They can also help recover stolen assets and hold responsible parties accountable through legal action.
Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect: Frequently Asked Questions
Nursing home abuse is any intentional or negligent act by caregivers, staff, or other individuals that causes harm to residents in long-term care facilities. Abuse can take many forms, including physical harm, emotional distress, sexual misconduct, financial exploitation, and neglect.
By law, nursing homes must take steps to maintain the safety of their residents. The law also states that nursing home abuse victims and their families are frequently eligible for compensation.
A nursing home abuse lawyer will investigate the abuse, gather evidence, and file a lawsuit against the liable parties. They work to secure compensation for medical expenses, emotional suffering, and other damages caused by the abuse. Call Powless Law to discuss your claim at 877-769-5377.
Signs of nursing home abuse can vary depending on the type of mistreatment. Common signs include bruises, cuts, fractures, bedsores, unexplained weight loss, dehydration, emotional agitation, or sudden changes in financial accounts. Behavioral shifts (like fear of specific caregivers) and/or social withdrawal may also indicate abuse.
A lawyer specializing in nursing home abuse can help families recognize these signs and take legal action. They ensure that evidence is preserved and guide families through the process of seeking justice for their loved ones.
If you suspect nursing home abuse, don’t wait to speak to a nursing home abuse lawyer in Indianapolis. Call Powless Law Firm to begin your claim at 877-769-5377.
If you suspect nursing home abuse, it’s important to act decisively. Document any signs of abuse, and report your concerns to facility management or local authorities immediately. You should also consult an Indianapolis nursing home abuse lawyer who specializes in these cases for a free evaluation.
Nursing home residents have legal rights, and their loved ones also have the right to pursue legal action if they suspect nursing home abuse. Call Powless Law Firm at 877-769-5377 for a free consultation.
Read More: Nursing Home Patient Rights: Understanding Your Protections
The National Center for Health Statistics reports that nearly 1.5 million people live in nursing or assisted living facilities. According to some estimates, about 90% of these facilities are understaffed. This means that they are unable to meet the basic care requirements of their residents adequately. As a result, roughly 1 in 10 residents will experience nursing home abuse or neglect.
Unfortunately, most instances of nursing home abuse and neglect never get reported. Nursing home facilities are willing to gamble with their residents’ well-being, as they will likely not face the consequences of their actions. This leads to a feedback effect where they continue to hire insufficient and poorly trained staff, putting profits over people.
The consequences of this failure to provide even basic care can be devastating. Residents may be left unattended for long periods of time. They may become malnourished and dehydrated, suffer painful bedsores, and be more prone to accidents and injuries. It is not uncommon for victims of nursing home abuse to suffer emotional distress.
Fighting nursing home abuse starts with recognizing the signs. Always report issues promptly, and contact a nursing home abuse lawyer as soon as legal action is needed. To speak to a nursing home neglect attorney, call Powless Law Firm: 877-769-5377.
