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Michigan Elder/Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

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Arrests, abuse, methamphetamine labs, and arson Michigan's more than 420 nursing homes have experienced it all. Unfortunately, trouble with nursing homes reaches far beyond the borders of the state of Michigan. The National Center on Elder Abuse reports that more than 50% of America's 18,000+ nursing homes (which house more than 1.6 million residents) are understaffed, which can lead to chronic stress and extreme frustration among staff members who are already involved in delicate and stressful situations as caregivers on a day-to-day basis. This, coupled with numerous other factors, can lead to elder/nursing home abuse, which occurs in around 30% of all nursing homes across America. In a 2006 Michigan investigation into how many nursing homes employed individuals with a criminal background, authorities arrested seven people and issued 24 warrants for people caught falsifying job applications. Cases like this show how vulnerable nursing home residents are to their caregivers.

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.

Elder/nursing home abuse presents itself in many different forms, ranging from physical, sexual, and psychological abuse to malnutrition, financial exploitation, and pure neglect. No one should have to suffer through any type of neglect or abuse at the hands of a caregiver or even other residents.

Some of the signs which may indicate that abuse is taking place include visible injuries or other marks, such as bruises, bedsores, cuts, or broken bones. Neglect may be more difficult to detect, since it is less likely to manifest itself visibly. Be sure to monitor both the nursing home resident, and his or her immediate environment and living conditions, and inquire about any changes you see or anything that doesn't feel right. Often nursing home residents are reluctant to inform their loved ones of abuse that is taking place, whether out of embarrassment or shame, or because they fear reprisals.

If you suspect that someone you love has been abused or mistreated in a nursing home, you should contact a Michigan elder/nursing home abuse lawyer or attorney. If you or someone you love has suffered any type of abuse at the hands of another resident, you should also contact a Michigan civil lawyer or attorney in order to seek damages outside of the facility.

A Michigan elder/nursing home abuse lawyer or attorney will offer a free nursing home abuse consultation where they will evaluate your case, explain your legal rights and assess any damages they feel you are entitled to. A Michigan elder/nursing home abuse lawyer or attorney will also be well-versed in Michigan nursing home abuse laws, and hence well-equipped to argue your case, whether they negotiate an out-of-court settlement or take the accused party to court.

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