Nursing Home Abuse

Over one million people live in nursing homes and other long term care facilities in the United States. While many nursing home residents are well-cared for, a number of them fall victim to abuse, which can be psychological, physical, sexual or financial. At James F. Humphreys & Associates, L.C. we know the toll abuse can take on someone and will work to obtain compensation for their trauma.

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Nursing Home Abuse Claims

According to a 2014 study, there were approximately 1.4 million people in nursing homes. Nearly 85% of those residents were over the age of 65, and 68% were over the age of 75. In 2016, nearly half of nursing home residents were reported to have Alzheimer’s Disease or some other form of dementia. When residents suffer from these conditions, they’re at a higher risk of becoming victims of abuse.

A 2015 study found that approximately 10% of nursing home residents were abused. Studies have also found that the majority of this abuse is perpetrated by caregivers. Nursing home abuse claims can be made if a resident suffers from neglect or a form of abuse, including physical, sexual, psychological or financial.

Signs Of Physical Abuse

If you or a loved one are in a nursing home or other long term care facility, watch for these common warning signs that abuse or neglect is occurring:

Bruises
Pressure marks
Broken bones
Abrasions
Burns
Bedsores
Poor hygiene
Dehydration
Unusual weight loss
Unusual depression
Fear or anxiety
Sudden change in alertness
Withdrawal from usual activities
Torn, stained or bloody underclothes
Lack of medications or living aids such as walkers or glasses

Financial Abuse

Financial abuse occurs when an individual’s funds, assets or property are used improperly or illegally. This often occurs without the knowledge of the individual or their family. A 2011 study estimated that elderly financial abuse may cost victims approximately $2.9 billion per year. Examples of financial abuse include:

Cashing a resident’s checks without permission or authorization
Forging a resident’s signature
Stealing or misusing a resident’s money or possessions
Deceiving or coercing a resident to sign documents
Improper use of guardianship, conservatorship, or power of attorney.

Financial abuse may occur without any warning signs, but some to watch for include:

Unexplained transfer of money or assets from the resident to another individual
Abrupt changes in the resident’s will or related financial documents
Frequent checks are written to a particular professional or caregiver
Personal belongings are missing from the resident’s possession
Additional names on the resident’s bank signature card

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured by nursing home abuse, you may be eligible for financial compensation. Compensation can be obtained from the facility where the person resided or from the employee that perpetrated the abuse. Compensation can be obtained for the following items:

Pain
Suffering
Therapy
Rehabilitation
Disability and lost earnings
Lost time for family
Medical treatment

Why James F. Humphreys & Associates, L.C.?

James F. Humphreys has more than four decades of experience fighting for those who have been injured by the wrongful conduct of others. At James F. Humphreys & Associates, L.C. we know the emotional toll abuse can take on someone. We work to ensure those who were subjected to pain and suffering are compensated for their injuries.

Toll Free: +1 (877) 341-2595

Email: jhumphreys@jfhumphreys.com