Nursing Home Liability lawyers

When families have to make the unfortunate decision to place an elderly loved one in a nursing facility or assisted living community, a whole host of fears may accompany that decision. We may worry that our grandma or parent is not getting the same quality of care we would provide, we may wonder if they are being treated well and in a loving manner, and we may ponder if they are lonely or ignored.

Growing old is a fact of life that no one can dispute, but growing old in a humiliating, neglectful, or dangerous environment need not be a fact of life for your loved one. There are over 34 million Americans over the age of 65 living in this country right now; statistics show that approximately 40% of those over 65 will live in a nursing home or other long-term care facility.

Elder abuse and neglect is a horrifying reality. According to the National Center for Adult Abuse, between one and two million elderly Americans have been mistreated, injured or exploited in some way while being cared for by someone entrusted to look after them. Elder abuse is, perhaps, this country's most shameful secret. You may wonder how can it be a secret with statistics such as this. The answer is that for as many reported cases of elder abuse, there are hundreds of thousands of cases that go unreported. Why is this so? Seniors may be unable to communicate their abuse to their families or a supervisor, or the elder adult may be too terrified of more abuse if the secret is told.

What is a family to do? The experienced and compassionate nursing home liability attorneys at The Cochran Firm, with offices all across the country, have helped thousands of people fight back against the medical professionals who harmed their loved ones and the medical facilities that allowed these despicable acts to happen. We can help you, too.

Types of Elder Abuse

Nursing home abuse and neglect may take many forms including physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and financial exploitation. While most people think physical abuse is the most common form, abuse of seniors finances is much more prevalent. But, out of the types of abuse to the elders body and mind, physical abuse is all too common. Some signs and symptoms of elder abuse include:

  • Broken bones
  • Cuts
  • Bruises
  • Torn clothing
  • Unexplained bleeding
  • Venereal diseases
  • Pulled out hair

Some common signs that your elderly loved one may be neglected are:

  • Dehydration
  • Malnourishment
  • Isolation
  • Humiliation
  • Fear
  • Change in behavior
  • Erratic moods
  • Unexplained crying
  • Unexplained anger
  • Violence

If you suspect your loved one may be abused or neglected in the nursing facility in which they live, please contact a supervisor at the facility as soon as possible. Then, please contact The Cochran Firm, with offices nationwide, so you can be advised of your legal rights should your elderly loved one be suffering at the hands of someone who's been trusted to care for her or him.