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District of Columbia Elder/Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

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In the District of Columbia alone, millions of dollars are paid out each year to the victims of elder/nursing home abuse and their families. Unfortunately, nursing home abuse is far too common all across the United States. The National Center on Elder Abuse reports that more than 50% of all nursing homes are understaffed. This, coupled with numerous other factors, may contribute to the growing problem of elder/nursing home abuse. Such abuse occurs in around 30% of all nursing homes across America, according to estimates.

Elder abuse is a term used to describe mistreatment and neglect of older adults. According to the World Health Organization, elder abuse is a single, or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust which causes harm or distress to an older person.

Elder/nursing home abuse presents itself in many different forms, and can range from physical, sexual, and psychological abuse to malnutrition, financial exploitation, and pure neglect. Sometimes the abuse is simply in the failure to take action to prevent injury or death, such as in cases of neglect. Bruises, broken bones, or a sudden decline or change in physical or mental health, are signs that a resident may be a victim of abuse.

Threats of punishment, humiliation, and harassment have been defined as mental abuse. Additionally, verbal, written or gestured messages that convey a negative or belittling message, even if the patient's mental state or disability prevents comprehension, is considered abusive. A resident may not be prevented from interacting with other residents or having access to his/her room except under brief, monitored circumstances. Restricting a resident's rights in these ways is also deemed within the law to be mental abuse.

A less common problem in nursing homes is the abuse of a resident by another resident. If you or someone you love has experienced this kind of abuse, you should also contact a District of Columbia civil lawyer or attorney if you are seeking damages outside of the facility.

A loved one may be hesitant or unwilling to speak about these abuses, because of embarrassment or fear of retaliation; therefore, you should make certain to monitor your loved one and their environment carefully, paying particular attention to any sudden change in the living conditions, or in the resident's attitude, appearance or demeanor.

Elder abuse can also occur outside of a nursing home setting, by a relative, companion or paid caregiver. Abuse in a home care situation can include deserting an elderly person who is not self-sufficient, for such a length of time that they are likely to endanger their well-being.

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 or someone you love has suffered any kind of abuse in a nursing home, you should contact an 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 District of Columbia elder/nursing home abuse lawyer or attorney will consult with you in order to 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 caused by a District of Columbia nursing home. An elder/nursing home abuse lawyer or attorney will be well-versed in District of Columbia nursing home abuse laws, as well as experienced in arguing cases that are similar to yours. He or she will do everything possible to ensure that justice is served and that you receive everything to which you are entitled.

If you are ready to contact a District of Columbia elder/nursing home abuse lawyer or attorney, visit the American Bar Association website, and use its lawyer locater to search for attorneys in your area.