Personal Injury Lawyer

Caring for an aging relative can cause a lot of stress for family members. When your loved one is placed in a nursing home, you may worry about his or her safety in the facility. If you are suspicious of abuse or neglect, it can add even more stress. It is important to be an advocate for your family member. Part of that involves watching for signs of neglect or abuse. Consider these warning signs and what to do about them.

Bedsores

Bedsores are ulcerated lesions that occur when an immobile person is not rotated on a regular basis. For example, if your loved one is lying on his or her back all day with no movement, these pressure ulcers will soon arise. Because they are usually preventable, it is important that you seek legal representation when they become a chronic problem. Your relative deserves the best care possible, and these painful sores are signs of negligence and, ultimately, abuse.

Unexplained Injuries

Many elderly people take blood-thinning medication that can cause them to bruise more easily. However, if there are large bruises whose origins are unexplained, it may be necessary to seek legal representation. Bruises related to abuse are most often found on the face, back and arms, and they are often accompanied by other injuries like cuts or scratches. While you are seeking legal representation for your family member, it is important to move him or her to a different facility where safety is a priority.

Seeking Help

Certain lawyers specialize in nursing home abuse and neglect cases. It is advantageous to get someone who has experience in this division of law. You need to provide appropriate documentation to bring your case forward. For example, you should be diligent about taking pictures of any bedsores, scratches, bruises, or cuts. While accidents can happen, unexplained injuries and a chronic history of injuries can be a huge red flag. It can also be helpful to bring your concerns directly to the administrator of the facility so he or she is aware of the abusive behavior of staff members.

No one should have to worry about a relative’s safety while in the care of trained medical professionals. If you feel that your loved one is being abused or neglected, do not hesitate to seek help. You may be the only advocate that he or she has, and it is essential that you fight for the care and safety that he or she deserves. Contact a lawyer, like a nursing home lawyer from Brown Kiely LLP, today to get assistance in forming a case.