Nursing Home Neglect Attorney in Des Moines

Nursing homes, also known as rest homes, are entrusted with caring for the elderly, sick, spouses, grandparents, and other family members. They are legally obliged to provide residents with proper care and comply with the standards defined by law. Failing to do so may result in abuse, neglect, and fatal injuries at nursing homes, which could exacerbate the conditions of the residents.

According to statistics, nursing home abuse has been alarmingly high in Des Moines; it’s more common than one might think. If you have encountered such wrongdoing, you must consult a nursing home abuse lawyer in Des Moines who has extensive experience handling personal injury and wrongful death claims. You need someone who has been to trial, knows how to handle negotiations, and can assist you in achieving justice for your suffering.

Forms of Abuse Against the Elderly

Forms of Abuse Against the Elderly
Source: caremark.co.uk

It’s evident that the elderly are most vulnerable and, hence, need proper attention, care, and monitoring. Unfortunately, this means that people who are supposed to be their caretakers often take advantage of or mistreat them. This neglectful behavior is not limited to elderly people; sometimes nursing home staff misbehave and abuse most of their residents, whether sick or injured. The abuse in nursing homes can be categorized as follows:

  1. Verbal Abuse (Emotional, Mental, or Psychological)
  2. Physical Abuse (Assault, Battery, or Falls)
  3. Sexual Abuse (Sexual Harassment or Sexual Exploitation)
  4. Abandonment (Older Adult Abandonment)
  5. Improper Usage of Prescribed Medication and Sedatives
  6. Organizational or Institutional Abuse
  7. Financial Exploitation (Theft of Valuables)

Signs to Identify Nursing Home Abuse

Signs to Identify Nursing Home Abuse
Source:facebook.com

Nursing home abuse and negligence aren’t just about care or attention; they can be more damaging than elderly abuse. When the residents of nursing homes don’t receive proper care, such as getting their medication or food on time and monitoring their actions, it can have serious consequences. When the standard care routine is not followed by the staff, nursing home-inflicted injuries can even lead to wrongful death in some cases.

If your family members are in a nursing home or experiencing any of the above-listed situations, you should look for signs that can help you identify the abuse. Here are a few typical indicators of abuse in nursing homes:

  1. Bed or pressure sores
  2. Injured wounds or fractures resulting from falls
  3. Unhygienic conditions or untidy appearance
  4. Sepsis
  5. Restraint injuries
  6. Malnutrition and dehydration
  7. Stained or soiled clothes and bedsheets
  8. Sudden occurrence of dementia or depression
  9. Blocked breathing tubes
  10. Choking
  11. Burns
  12. Medication injuries
  13. Head injuries
  14. Sudden changes in behavior

If you notice any of these signs of nursing home abuse on your loved ones, you must hire a lawyer or file a case to seek justice, not just for your own sake but also for others. It will help the resident and prevent others from getting the same ignorant treatment. After checking your claim, the authorities will be liable to inspect the nursing home and notice them, forcing them to improve and pay for their actions.

Why Hire an Experienced Lawyer for Nursing Home Abuse?

Source: marriettlegal.com

An experienced attorney will be able to understand your personal injury case much better, as they are familiar with the underlying laws and regulations that define them. They will know which act or law is violated and how it can be used to make your claim viable. Lawyers can help you assess your losses, injuries, and conditions promptly, ensuring you receive fair compensation. Nursing home authorities often have significant resources and connections, allowing them to hire the best legal representatives to deny your claim or avoid paying compensation for your losses. In such cases, you need an experienced attorney who knows the tactics and strategies they can use in the legal process.