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Kentucky Elder/Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

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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 America's 18,000+ nursing homes are understaffed. Overwork can lead to stress and frustration among staff members, who are already involved in delicate and stressful situations as caregivers in general. This, coupled with numerous other factors, can lead to elder/nursing home abuse, which occurs in around 30% of all nursing homes across America.

Every year, tens of thousands of elderly Americans are abused in their own homes, in relatives homes, and even in professional facilities which are responsible for their care. As people age and become elderly, they may become more and more physically frail, decrease the sight and hearing senses, and become less able to stand up for themselves if being bullied mentally or physically. You may suspect that an elderly person you know is being harmed physically or emotionally by a neglectful or overwhelmed caregiver or being preyed upon financially. If this is the case, it's time to contact a qualified Kentucky elder care/nursing home abuse attorney. You should also contact a Kentucky civil lawyer or attorney if you are seeking damages outside of the facility.

Elder/nursing home abuse presents itself in many different forms, and can include physical, sexual, and psychological abuse, as well as malnutrition, financial exploitation, and pure neglect. Visible injuries or sings of abuse may be noticed right away. Some examples include broken bones, cuts, scars, and bed sores. If you notice any of these signs, it is important to report it immediately. Ask the resident about the injury, then the attending nurse and assistant, the staff supervisor, and the attending physician.

Neglect injuries include insufficient food and water, insufficient hygiene or bathing, failure to change the resident's undergarments in a timely manner, inadequate medical care, and failure to assist in the basic functions for the resident.

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.

A Kentucky elder/nursing home abuse lawyer or attorney will offer a complimentary consultation in order to evaluate your case, explain your legal rights, and assess any damages to which you may be entitled as a result of abuse or neglect caused by a Kentucky nursing home. An elder/nursing home abuse lawyer or attorney will have extensive knowledge of Kentucky state and federal laws, so they will be well-equipped to argue your case.

If you are ready to contact a Kentucky elder/nursing home abuse lawyer or attorney, visit the website of the American Bar Association and use their lawyer locator. Access to the site and the lawyer locator is free.