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Arkansas Elder/Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

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In 2003, a nursing home chain in Arkansas had to pay $1.5 million to the state after the attorney general's office found evidence of nursing home abuse at several of their locations.

Unfortunately, nursing home abuse is far too common all across the United States. The National Center on Elder Abuse reports that more than half of America's nursing homes are understaffed. This can lead not only to stress and frustration among staff members, but also to elder/nursing home abuse. It is estimated that elder abuse occurs in about one-third of all nursing homes in the country.

Elder/nursing home abuse may take many different forms. It can be physical, sexual, or psychological abuse. It can also take the forms of malnutrition, financial exploitation, or neglect. Your elderly family member should never have to suffer from neglect or abuse at the hands of a caregiver or even other nursing-home residents.

All nursing home or elder care facilities have an obligation to protect the rights of every single resident, and to provide an attractive, clean, and healthy environment. They are also obligated to treat residents equally, with no discrimination based on race, religion, color, nationality, ability or source of payment. Nursing home facilities are required by federal law to compose a Nursing Home Resident's Bill of Rights, which they are also required to make available to any resident upon request. The Bill of Rights outlines all policies of the specific nursing home, and each facility must require residents to sign a statement, indicating they have read and understood these rights, before admittance. Specific rights include the right to be informed about one's specific medical condition and treatment, the right to participate in planning one's care and medical treatment, the right to choose a physician, the right to manage personal finances, the right to privacy, dignity, and respect, the right to personal possessions, the right to be free from restraints and abuse in nursing homes, the right to voice grievance without retaliation, the right to be discharged or transferred only for medical reasons, and the rights of access.

There are some signs and symptoms that can provide evidence of elder abuse or neglect. The more visible signs of abuse include bruises, broken bones, cuts, scars and bedsores. The signs of neglect may be a bit harder to notice because the injuries aren't as readily apparent. Neglect includes providing insufficient food and water, inadequate attention to hygiene in residents who are not self-sufficient, inadequate medical care, and failure to assist residents who have mobility issues.

If you have been abused or mistreated in a nursing home, contact an Arkansas elder/nursing home abuse lawyer or attorney immediately. If someone you love has experienced abuse in a nursing home in Arkansas, you can contact an attorney on their behalf. You should also contact a civil lawyer or attorney if you are seeking monetary damages outside of the facility.

An Arkansas elder/nursing home abuse lawyer or attorney will schedule a consultation with you in order to gather information, evaluate your case, explain your legal rights, and assess any damages they feel you are entitled to as a result of any abuse or neglect. Your attorney will be extremely knowledgeable about local, state and federal laws that concern nursing home or elder-care abuse, thereby ensuring that they are well-qualified to handle your case.

If you are ready to contact an Arkansas elder/nursing home abuse lawyer or attorney, visit the website of the American Bar Association and utilize the site's lawyer locator. Access to the site is free.