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Connecticut Elder/Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

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According the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), there are more than 18,000 nursing homes across America housing roughly 1.6 million elderly residents. Unfortunately, the National Center On Elder Abuse reports that more than 50% of all nursing homes in America are understaffed, which leads to stress and frustration among staff members, which in turn, can lead to elder/nursing home abuse.

Elder/nursing home abuse occurs in around 30% of all nursing homes across the United States, and in the span of 24 months alone, there were more than 9,000 instances of abuse reported across America. As a result, Connecticut state lawmakers are now keeping a watchful eye on its nursing homes.

Elder/nursing home abuse presents itself in many different forms ranging from physical, sexual, and psychological abuse to malnutrition, financial exploitation, and pure neglect. 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.

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.

If you have made the difficult decision to place a family member in a nursing home, you and your family member shouldn't have to suffer through any type of neglect or abuse at the hands of a caregiver or even other residents. If you suspect that you or someone you love has been abused or mistreated in a nursing home, contact a Connecticut elder/nursing home abuse lawyer or attorney immediately. If you or someone you love has suffered any type of abuse at the hands of another resident, you should also contact a civil lawyer or attorney if you are seeking damages outside of the facility.

A Connecticut elder/nursing home abuse lawyer or attorney may offer a free nursing home abuse consultation, during which they will evaluate your case, explain your legal rights, and assess any damages to which you may be entitled to as a result of any abuse or neglect caused by a Connecticut nursing home. Keep in mind that in the state of Connecticut, you are entitled to economic and non-economic damages, as well as physical impairment damages. An elder/nursing home abuse lawyer or attorney will also be well-versed in Connecticut nursing home abuse laws, so they will be well-equipped to argue your case.

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