Georgia Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect Attorneys
How A Georgia Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Can Help You
If you suspect your loved one has been a victim of abuse or neglect, don’t hesitate. Contact us today: (706) 354-4000
Placing a loved one in a nursing home is a difficult decision. Family members often choose to do so because they feel they can no longer adequately care for an aging loved one. They trust that a nursing home will provide the care that their family member needs and deserves.
Unfortunately, many of these facilities are chronically understaffed and operate with ‘profits over people’ mentality. As a result, many elderly residents are seriously injured or die due to negligence and corporate misconduct.
Our trial attorneys represent victims of nursing home abuse and neglect. When a nursing home’s negligent care leads to a resident’s serious injury or death, we hold the nursing home accountable.
We’ve recovered millions for nursing home residents, and their families, who have suffered abuse or neglect at the hands of someone they should have been able to trust. We believe that all long-term care residents deserve to live in a safe and positive environment and that families deserve the peace of mind their loved one is well taken care of.
Our Georgia nursing home abuse lawyers offer free consultations and there is no fee unless we win your case. We have several offices and handle cases throughout the state of Georgia.
What is Nursing Home Abuse?
Nursing home abuse is mistreatment by a trusted individual or caregiver through intentional actions that create risk or harm to a resident. There are three types of acts included in the definition.
Physical Abuse in the Nursing Home
Physical abuse comprises forceful, violent acts against a resident or patient. It may cause temporary injuries, but permanent harm is also common due to the advanced age or fragile medical condition of the victim. Shoving, scratching, using restraints in violation of law, or any other acts of a physical nature are included in this category.
Emotional Abuse in the Nursing Home
Emotional abuse may not manifest as a physical injury, but the harm may still be significant. Verbal attacks, insults, severe bullying, denouncements, or threats that cause mental distress may constitute emotional abuse.
Sexual Abuse in the Nursing Home
Sexual abuse is any nonconsensual contact with a patient or resident of the facility that is based on force, threats, manipulation, or intimidation.
Is Nursing Home Neglect Different from Abuse?
Though it is considered a type of abusive situation, neglect is distinct. Nursing homes are responsible for long-term care, hygiene and personal care, supervision, and therapy.
Neglect can occur when a caretaker, manager, or supervisor fails to attend to a resident’s needs, causing injury to a patient or resident. Abandonment may be a form of neglect when a caretaker deserts his or her responsibilities to care for the victim.
What are Some Signs of Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect?
Unfortunately, some residents of assisted care facilities cannot verbally express instances of misconduct. Still, there are some obvious indications that a resident is suffering.
Some signs of abuse include:
- Bone fractures
- Lacerations and bruises
- Torn clothing or hair
- Sexually transmitted diseases or pregnancy
- Burn injuries
- Unexplained bleeding
- Many more
What are Some Warning Signs of Nursing Home Abuse?
- Falls and fall-related injuries
- Bedsores or pressure sores (bad wound care)
- Dehydration
- Malnutrition
- Chronic or extended hospital stays
- Unexplained bruising or fractures
- Infection
- Medication/drug errors
- Understaffing
- Nursing Home Fraud
What’s the Difference Between a Nursing Home and Assisted Living?
A nursing home differs from an assisted living facility because its staff consists of registered nurses who are always on duty.
Nursing homes are also much more regulated by the federal government than assisted living facilities, which are for people who may need assistance with some things like grooming and meal preparation but don’t need round-the-clock medical treatment.
Nursing homes offer 24-7 assistance for people who have more complex needs, while assisted living facilities offer residents more independence.
What is a Skilled Nursing Facility?
A skilled nursing facility is just another term for nursing home. A skilled nursing facility is an option for residents who are Medicare or Medicaid beneficiaries.
Contact a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer in Georgia
Our team of experienced and knowledgeable nursing home abuse lawyers at Blasingame, Burch, Garrard & Ashley, P.C. are ready to get to work on your case. Contact us today or give us a call at (706) 354-4000 to discuss your case. We serve clients throughout the state of Georgia.
