As an experienced nursing home lawyer Harrisonburg VA respects, we at MartinWren, P.C. know all too well that elder abuse is a serious problem in the American healthcare system today, and many cases often justify legal action. According to research from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it’s estimated that around 500,000 Americans over the age of 60 are abused each year.
However, it’s likely that the actual number of elderly Americans experiencing abuse is much higher. Nursing home neglect and abuse is often not reported. The unfortunate reality is that elderly adults might not understand that they are being neglected or abused by their caretakers, or if these patients do comprehend what is happening, they may not remember what happened when it’s time to tell someone about it. In other cases, younger relatives and loved ones of the patient might not be aware that they may have legal recourse in these situations.
Sometimes, it is only after consulting with a trusted nursing home lawyer Harrisonburg VA can provide that relatives understand the depth of abuse and neglect that their relative has suffered. Abuse can be physical, but it can also be mental and emotional. Examples of nursing home neglect and abuse could be:
- Lack of proper nutrition
- Lack of proper hygienic care
- Medication errors
- Inadequate medical care
- Unsafe environmental and living conditions
Even when a patient does not comprehend that he/she is being abused, a top nursing home lawyer Harrisonburg VA trusts might explain to their loved ones that purposely harmful or gravely negligent acts are still considered to be abusive and neglectful in a court of law. Nursing homes are legally required to provide an adequate amount of care to residents, but some nursing homes fail to do this because of small budgets or understaffing. If a nursing home patient is not receiving an adequate amount of care from staff members, this could be considered negligence and the patient may be able to claim financial damages with the help of a nursing home lawyer Harrisonburg VA respects.
Contact a Local Nursing Home Lawyer in Harrisonburg VA
If you believe that an elderly relative is being abused at a nursing home, the legal team at MartinWren, P.C. wants to help. Our lawyers have acquired extensive experience handling personal injury claims and lawsuits for our clients, and are dedicated to fighting for the rights of the injured.
Our lawyers are happy to sit down with potential clients and discuss possible legal remedies for cases involving nursing home abuse and neglect. For more information about the legal team at MartinWren, P.C., or to schedule a case evaluation with a top nursing home lawyer Harrisonburg VA can provide, contact us today.