Identifying Signs of Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect
North Carolina Nursing Home Lawyers
If your loved one is residing in a nursing home, and you suspect he or she may be a victim of abuse or neglect, do not ignore your suspicions. While there is no foolproof way to identify abuse or neglect without proof, there are several signs that may indicate abuse or neglect might be occurring.
If you suspect neglect, signs to look for include:
- Bed sores
- Unchanged bandages or dressings
- Unchanged or unwashed bed sheets
- Unchanged or unwashed undergarments
- Unexplained weight loss
- Unexplained marks, scratches, bruises, etc.
- Thinning hair
- Skin discoloration
- Dehydration
- Signs of malnutrition
If you suspect physical abuse, signs to look for include:
- Unexplained scratches, bruises, burns, cuts, abrasions, etc.
- Marks indicating physical restraints were used
- Open wounds or welts
- Unexplained injuries
Please remember that seen individually, these signs could have many possible causes, and could simply be signs of aging or deteriorating health. Use your best judgment, but do not be afraid to contact an attorney if your instincts tell you to do so. In the majority of cases, the victim will never speak up or complain about what is happening-either because they are afraid of retaliation or because they have a physical or mental illness that prevents them from doing so. It is better to speak up and be proven wrong than to say nothing while your loved one continues to be abused, neglected, or mistreated.
Skilled Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys Serving All of North Carolina
If you think your loved one may be a victim of nursing home neglect or abuse, trust an experienced North Carolina nursing home attorney at Lanier Law Group to help you to take the appropriate course of action. While it's natural to feel overwhelmed or shocked by what you have discovered, it is important that you act quickly to make sure your loved one is no longer put in danger. Our dedicated staff can help you contact the right authorities, as well as assist you in preparing and filing a personal injury claim on your loved one's behalf. If your loved one has passed away as a result of nursing home abuse or neglect, we can help you prepare the legal paperwork needed to file a wrongful death claim.
If you are interested in meeting with an attorney at our office, please contact a North Carolina nursing home lawyer at Lanier Law Group today to schedule your free consultation.