Experiencing nursing home abuse is an extremely traumatic event for both residents and their loved ones. Though it is considered a criminal offense in many cases, you can also seek damages for nursing home abuse by filing a claim against the responsible parties.
Recognizing nursing home abuse can be difficult as it can take various forms, such as physical, emotional, financial, and others. However, it is important to identify the signs of abuse to ensure that your loved one is receiving the proper care they deserve. If you suspect your loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse, pay attention to any unusual behavior or physical signs and report them immediately. We can help you take action to protect your loved one and seek compensation for any harm caused.
For a free review of your case with our nursing home abuse lawyers, call Wruck Paupore today at (219) 322-1166.
If you are filing a claim for nursing home abuse in Bloomington, it is crucial to keep in mind the statute of limitations. This is the legal term for the time limit to file a claim in Bloomington. According to I.C. § 34-11-2-4, nursing home abuse victims usually have a period of two years from the day of the abuse to take legal action. This means that the clock starts ticking on the day the cause of action happens.
The statute of limitations is important because it usually represents the deadline by which you need to file your claim. If you fail to file your case before the cutoff date, it will usually be dismissed from the court unless a qualifying exception applies. If the statute of limitations expires, you will not be able to pursue compensation.
Recognizing nursing home abuse can be challenging, as abusers often conceal their actions. However, if you know what to look for, there are telltale signs that your loved one might be experiencing abuse. Changes in behavior or demeanor that cannot be explained might indicate abuse. If you suspect that your loved one has been a victim of nursing home abuse in Bloomington, our nursing home abuse attorneys can help you seek justice and recover damages for your losses. Below are the most common signs of nursing home abuse you should know.
Changes in a resident's behavior can be a sign of potential abuse. This might include sudden mood swings that are not typical of the resident, such as increased anxiety, anger, or depression. On the other hand, the resident might become more withdrawn and reluctant to engage in conversations. Paying attention to these changes is important as they could indicate abuse.
It is crucial to be observant of any bruises or injuries you come across while visiting a loved one, as it could indicate abuse. While bruises are typical in older people, they generally have a cause. However, if you notice signs of physical abuse like cuts or scratches, there might be no logical explanation, and it should not be dismissed.
It is important to pay attention to any changes in the financial situation of your loved one that do not match their usual behavior, as it could be a sign of financial exploitation. Financial abuse can be difficult to detect, especially if a staff member or another resident is stealing their belongings or if the nursing home is misusing funds intended for your loved one. It is also possible that your loved one might not even realize that they are being financially abused. If your loved one expresses a desire to change their will or make other financial decisions, it is crucial to be cautious, as it could be a symptom of financial abuse.
Abuse is not limited to physical or sexual harm, and it can come in various forms. Nursing home residents, especially older ones, are susceptible to different types of abuse. Although it might not be immediately apparent, abuse can take many forms. The following are the most common types of nursing home abuse often committed in Bloomington:
Neglect is a common form of abuse that can occur in nursing homes when the staff or the facility fails to act appropriately. Although it might not be intentional, neglect can still cause harm, and those responsible can be held liable.
Neglect often happens due to poor management, insufficient staff training, or a lack of resources to meet residents' needs. Examples of neglect include not providing enough food or water, leaving residents unattended for extended periods, disregarding residents' complaints, failing to administer medications, and improperly cleaning residents or their living spaces.
Abuse is often associated with physical violence but can also take other forms. Unfortunately, nursing home residents are particularly vulnerable to physical abuse. Physical abuse can involve hitting, choking, or dragging someone against their will.
Although staff members might be the perpetrators of this type of abuse, other residents might also be responsible. Physical abuse is never acceptable regardless of who is responsible, and the perpetrator should be held accountable for their actions.
Emotional abuse is a form of cruelty that is often subtle yet just as prevalent as other types of abuse. In fact, it might be the most common form of abuse as it can occur quickly and persistently, making it difficult for victims to recognize it as such.
If you have been threatened, humiliated, or harassed, you might be a victim of emotional abuse. It is common for individuals who have experienced emotional abuse to feel confused and hurt. Unfortunately, many victims refrain from taking action due to fear of the potential consequences.
Financial exploitation is, unfortunately, a common occurrence in Bloomington nursing homes. Some individuals take advantage of the vulnerable residents of these facilities without hesitation. Financial abuse can occur in various ways, such as when a nursing home charges a resident for goods or services they did not receive.
Additionally, a staff member or fellow resident might coerce a resident into using their credit cards or transferring money to their personal bank account. It is crucial to protect nursing home residents from financial scams, whether they come from an external source or are perpetrated by someone within the facility.
If a resident living in a nursing home experiences any form of unwanted sexual contact, it can be categorized as sexual abuse. This includes inappropriate touching or fondling that happens without the victim's consent. Keep in mind that sexual abuse can happen even without physical contact. If a resident is forced to engage in sexually inappropriate behavior or undress against their will, the perpetrator can be held accountable. In such cases, the victim can pursue a claim to seek justice for the harm they have suffered.
Contact Wruck Paupore at (219) 322-1166 for a free case assessment with our nursing home abuse attorneys.
Don is a founding partner and one of the nation’s top-ranked personal injury litigators. He is a member of the Multi-million Dollar Advocates Forum, which includes less than 1% of the nation’s trial lawyers, and awarded the highest ranking given by Martindale Hubbel and AVVO.
More importantly, Don understands representing personal injury victims is about more than recovering the best settlement: it’s about helping clients get back on their feet and supporting them in every aspect of their recovery.
In nearly all cases, our clients seek compensation from the wrongdoer’s insurance company. Before forming Wruck Paupore, Jason worked for a prominent law firm representing some of the world’s largest insurers. This experience gives Jason a deep understanding of the insurance industry and the strategies it uses to pay injury victims as little as possible.
Jason -- and our entire team -- put this inside knowledge to work to force insurance companies to pay what is actually owed. Often, we use the insurance company’s own tactics against them as we fight for the full compensation our client deserves.
For more than four decades, Keith has been fighting for injury victims. During that time, he’s watched the insurance industry change, with insurers now more interested in protecting their stock price than treating injury victims fairly.
Since the beginning, Keith has put people first. From his childhood in Gary, Indiana during the 1960’s and working his way through law school, Keith has risen to become one of the Midwest’s most respected trial lawyers. He has never forgotten that being a lawyer is about helping people -- and seeing injury victims through struggles in a way that could change their lives forever.
Over the decades, Keith, Don and Jason have fought relentlessly for clients, even when other lawyers have said the case was impossible to win.
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