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Louisiana Elder/Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

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According the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), there are more than 18,000 nursing homes across America, with a total of 1.6 million residents. Unfortunately, the National Center on Elder Abuse reports that more than 50% of nursing homes are understaffed, which can lead to chronic stress among staff members who are already dealing with delicate situations on a daily basis. This, in turn, can lead to elder/nursing home abuse, which occurs in around 30% of all nursing homes across the America today.

Elder abuse is a term used to describe mistreatment and neglect of older adults. According to the World Health Organization, elder abuse is defined as 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. 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.

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 Louisiana 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 out of embarrassment or fear of retaliation; therefore, you should be sure to monitor your loved one and their living environment closely, taking particular note of any injuries or illnesses, as well as any change to their appearance or demeanor, which might signal that abuse or neglect is taking place.

Elder abuse also occurs outside of the nursing home setting, and in these instances the abuse can be perpetrated by a relative, an associate or paid care provider. Abuse in a home environment can include the desertion of an elderly person, who is not self-sufficient, for such a length of time that they are likely to endanger their own well-being.

A Louisiana elder/nursing home abuse lawyer or attorney will offer a free consultation where they will evaluate your case, explain your legal rights in simple terms, and assess any damages they feel you are entitled to as a result of any abuse or neglect caused by a Louisiana nursing home. A Louisiana elder/nursing home abuse lawyer or attorney will also be well-versed in Louisiana's complicated system of nursing home abuse laws, so they will be well-equipped to argue and win your case.

If you are ready to contact a Louisiana elder/nursing home abuse lawyer or attorney, visit the website of the American Bar Association. Use the site's lawyer locator to search for a suitable attorney. Access is free.