The elderly are a vulnerable population who often depend on others for their safety and overall well-being. When an elderly person is placed in a nursing home in Washington State, the expectation is that they will be well cared for by both the staff, the agency, the medical team, and family members. Unfortunately, that is not always what happens.
At Law Offices of Paul L. Schneiderman, our personal injury lawyer in Washington State handles cases where an elderly person has suffered an injury or abuse at a nursing home. In these types of situations, there can be multiple defendants, and so it is important to have strong representation. Contact us at 206-464-1952 to schedule a Free Consultation. We will discuss your nursing home abuse or injury case and outline what might be your best legal options.
Understanding Nursing Home Injuries and Abuse in Washington State
Nursing home injuries happen for many reasons, including abuse and neglect by the nursing home staff or other residents. Unfortunately, nursing home abuse happens far too often throughout the nation. Nursing home abuse typically involves physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological abuse, or financial abuse by a member of the staff or another resident.
When a resident suffers an injury due to abuse or neglect, the resident could be entitled to file a personal injury claim. Nursing home abuse is commonly the result of negligence on the part of the company that owns or operates the nursing home or its staff.
For instance, nursing homes might be short-staffed or lacking proper training. Nursing home personal injury claims often require an investigation into a company's policies and procedures.
If your loved one has suffered abuse or neglect in their nursing home, contacting Law Offices of Paul L. Schneiderman should be the first step you take. Call us at 206-464-1952 to find out how we can help you and your loved one recover from this violation.
Common Injuries from Seattle Nursing Home Abuse
The type and severity of nursing home abuse or neglect injuries differ significantly based on the injured individual and the circumstances surrounding the situation. One of the most common types of nursing home injuries is bedsores, which typically develop when a resident is not moved for long. However, there are several other types of injuries associated with nursing home abuse, including:
- Broken bones
- Concussions or other head injuries
- Bruising and lacerations
- Burns
- Malnutrition or dehydration
- Injuries from sexual abuse
- Death
It is also important to note that injuries do not always involve physical pain or harm. For instance, nursing home abuse could include financial exploitation in which the injury is purely financial. Additionally, a resident might sustain emotional injuries from nursing home abuse or neglect.
Warning Signs of Abuse or Neglect at a Nursing Home in Washington State
The warning signs of abuse or neglect at a nursing home can be obvious in some situations, or very subtle in other cases. Some common signs of abuse or neglect may include a resident who:
- Develops a fear of certain residents or employees
- Has a dirty room, clothing. or other personal items
- Has poor hygiene
- Develops a change in their personality
- Has an excessively hot or cold room
- Seems overly anxious or fearful
- Has injuries with no valid explanation
- Loses their financial assets or personal property
It might be hard to believe that a loved one is being abused or neglected at a nursing home. But nursing home abuse happens, so it is important to understand the common warning signs and be willing to report potential abuse.
Compensation for Nursing Home Injuries in Washington State
If you or a loved one has been injured at a nursing home, you deserve compensation. Money will not heal the pain, but it will help pay for the bills and the necessary treatment to address the physical pain and emotional suffering. When injured through the negligent, reckless, or intentional act of another person or entity, you may be entitled to:
- Economic damages, which reimburses or covers the cost of past and future medical expenses and other related costs
- Non-economic damages, which reimburses or covers the cost of physical pain or emotional or mental suffering
- Punitive damages, which, when allowed by law, punishes the wrongdoer and acts as a deterrent to prevent future harms
Contact a Nursing Home Injury Lawyer in Seattle Today
If you suspect your loved one is suffering from nursing home abuse or neglect, it is important to act quickly and seek help. Simply speaking with your loved one may not be sufficient because they might be afraid of repercussions if they disclose abuse to you.
Contacting Law Offices of Paul L. Schneiderman could provide you with a better understanding of your options and investigate any claims of abuse or neglect. Additionally, most states have agencies tasked with handling nursing home abuse or neglect complaints and investigating any and all claims provided to them.
It is important to take action as soon as possible if you suspect any type of nursing home abuse or neglect to prevent it from escalating. Call us at 206-464-1952 to schedule a Free Consultation today.