A Houston nursing home abuse lawyer is the best party you can turn to if you suspect your loved one has suffered abuse. Studies have found that nearly a quarter of residents in nursing homes report experiencing physical abuse at least once during their stay. The real number may be even higher.
The victim of nursing home abuse will likely be afraid to talk, which exacerbates the situation. If you suspect that your loved one is a victim of abuse, talk to a nursing home abuse lawyer in Houston.
How a Nursing Home Lawyer Can Help
The first thing a nursing home lawyer can help you with is establishing that your loved one is a victim of abuse. Many people often notice that their loved ones or parents are unwell or have bruises. Nursing home administrators might brush off the signs as normal injuries that affect elderly people.
A nursing home lawyer can identify the various forms of abuse that your loved one may have suffered. For instance, abuse of your parent or loved one may take the form of:
- Financial abuse
- Emotional, physical abuse, and sexual abuse
- Not receiving enough food
- Poor management of treatment they need for current conditions
- Not receiving assistance in personal hygiene
- Exposure to safety and health hazards at the facility
A nursing home lawyer will help you identify the specific cause of the injuries your loved one has sustained. This is important in helping you establish how the abuse occurred and what course of action should follow. A nursing home abuse lawyer serving the Houston area can help your family and others get justice and put an end to more suffering.
In some cases, victims of abuse may succumb to their injuries or gross mistreatment. A Houston nursing home abuse lawyer can investigate what caused the death of your loved one. The lawyer can help you take on a claim against the nursing home and their insurance providers.
Liable Parties in Nursing Home Abuse Cases
The main liable party in a nursing home abuse case is not always clear. The Texas Administrative Code imposes certain standards of care that the nursing home must meet. The nursing home should ensure all residents get access to basic care. The environment should be such that the residents can attain mental and physical wellbeing.
The people who may be responsible for abuse in a nursing home include:
- Staff responsible for maintaining the nursing home
- Nurses and healthcare professionals at the nursing home
- Other residents of the nursing home
- Caregivers
The nursing home is responsible for anything that happens to your loved one while they are a resident. Therefore, nursing homes may go to great lengths to cover up cases of abuse. If you suspect that your loved one has been a victim of abuse, talk to a nursing home lawyer.
The signs of abuse you should look out for include:
- Skin abrasions and bruises, especially on the legs and hands
- Constant injuries with no clear explanations
- Depression and unexplained changes in mood and behavior
- Recurrent infections
- Unexplained weight loss and other signs of malnutrition
- Poor hygiene
Nursing staff may attempt to conceal the signs of nursing home abuse may before every visit. It is imperative that you carefully examine the physical and emotional state of your loved one every time you make a visit. Once you suspect that your loved one has suffered abuse, reach out to health and human services, and consider contacting an attorney.
Steps to Follow If You Suspect There Is Abuse
Nursing home abuse can go on for years if no one speaks up. The victim will not likely advocate for themselves, but they may engage in actions that can let you know they are not okay. If you suspect that your loved one is a victim of abuse, visit them with an impartial party. This can help you confirm your suspicions as well as give you a witness.
Once you feel that there is a substantial likelihood that abuse has occurred, think about reaching out to a nursing home abuse lawyer. Dolman Law Group follows a no recovery, no fee policy, so there’s no risk on your part.
The Worth of a Personal Injury Lawsuit Following Nursing Home Abuse
Your loved one and family deserve justice if the nursing home is guilty of facilitating abuse. A Houston nursing home abuse lawyer can help you recover damages for the abuse they have endured. The worth of a personal injury lawsuit will depend on economic and non-economic factors.
Some of these factors include:
- Mental distress and pain
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Present and future medical expenses if the victim required treatment
- Transportation costs to a different facility
If your loved one dies due to abuse, your family can recover damages with the help of a wrongful death lawyer. The worth of a wrongful death claim will encompass factors such as burial costs, loss of economic support, and loss of companionship.
Statute of Limitations for Nursing Home Abuse Cases
There is a time limitation on when you can claim damages if your loved one is a victim of abuse. The state of Texas gives you two years to file a personal injury claim. But you may not be able to gather the evidence you need to hold the liable parties accountable within such a time frame on your own.
A personal injury lawyer can help speed up the process by investigating the nursing home or collecting other relevant evidence. This will help uncover if there have been similar cases of abuse in the past. A lawyer can get witness statements proving that certain members of staff are abusive.
Contact Dolman Law Group Today
If your loved one has suffered abuse as a resident, you should consider reaching out to a Houston nursing home abuse lawyer. Dolman Law Group can help you and your family hold the liable parties accountable. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and take the first steps towards getting the compensation you or your loved one deserve.
Houston Office
6330 Gulf Fwy Suite 110
Houston, TX 77023
Phone: (281) 524-4370