Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys in Tulsa, Oklahoma

Putting a loved one in a nursing home, or assisted living facility, is never an easy decision. It can be heart-wrenching to entrust their well-being to others, even if they are professionals. Because when professional caretakers drop the ball on their responsibilities, that abuse or neglect has the potential to seriously harm your elderly loved one.

Nursing home abuse can include the physical and emotional neglect of an elderly person. While sometimes these violations can happen unintentionally, it’s important to hold an individual accountable for the harm they cause another regardless. When the abuse is intentional, it's even more important to bring those individuals to justice.

Types of Nursing Home Abuse

As previously mentioned, the term “abuse” incorporates more than just physical harm that you can see evidence of, which is why it can be so confusing and difficult to navigate a nursing home abuse claim on your own. Not only can it be difficult to define, but it can be equally difficult to prove. See the main forms of abuse, and some examples of them, that have grounds for legal recourse, below.

Physical

This includes the failure of a caretaker to tend to the elderly person’s physical needs and safety. For example:

• Malnutrition or dehydration

• Disregard for their personal hygiene

• Lack of proper medical care/medicinal management

• Sexual abuse

Emotional or Psychological

This includes any neglect of or the deliberate worsening of the elderly person’s mental, emotional, or psychological state. For example:

• Verbal harassment, humiliation, or intimidation

• Isolation from others, friends, and family

• Disregard for their personal wishes

• Manipulation or coercion for financial gain (i.e. pressuring an elderly person to be included in their will or trust)

Elderly individuals with disabilities, cognitive impairment, or poor mental health are frequently victims of nursing home abuse. If you suspect that your loved one is being neglected in an assisted living facility, it is crucial that you speak up on their behalf and consult with experienced nursing home abuse attorneys. You can stop the abuse by taking action, which can also help to prevent the same harm from happening to others.

Signs of Abuse

Depending on the type of neglect or abuse a person experiences in a nursing home, the signs may or may not be obviously noticeable. Unfortunately, this type of crime is easily concealed — by the facility and/or its staff, and the victims may be too scared or physically incapable of communicating the abuse themselves. One of the most common tell-tale signs of abuse is an unusual or sudden change in behavior.

Since you know your loved one best, it’s important to keep an eye out for warning signs of abuse and report them as soon as possible. Some common signs of physical or emotional abuse include:

• Rapid weight loss or gain

• Frequent illness

• Bruises, broken bones, and other physical injuries (i.e. bed sores)

• General changes in mood or activity level (for instance, going from being an active social butterfly to an anxious recluse)

• Reluctance to speak in front of caretakers

• Unsanitary living conditions

• A constant state of confusion, disorientation, or sedation

• Unexplained changes to financial matters

Despite the amount of time and research spent to find the best nursing home solution for your loved one, abuse and neglect are not always preventable. But when you notice a red flag and suspect that your elderly loved one is being mistreated, don’t wait to seek help. No one deserves to be a victim of abuse, and perpetrators should be held accountable to prevent future harm to others. Work with experienced attorneys to find out if you have a claim for compensation.

How Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys Can Help

Nursing home abuse attorneys specialize in providing legal assistance and representation to individuals who have experienced abuse or neglect in a nursing home or long-term care facility. They can help you in several ways:

• Legal Advice and Evaluation: A nursing home injury lawyer can assess your situation and provide legal advice regarding your rights and potential legal claims. They can help determine if there is a case of abuse or neglect and thoroughly explain the legal options available to you.

• Gathering Documentation: Nursing home abuse attorneys can assist in obtaining and organizing relevant documentation, such as medical records, incident reports, staff records, and any other evidence that supports your claim. They ensure that all necessary information is properly gathered and compiled to support your case.

• Seeking Compensation: Nursing home abuse attorneys aim to secure financial compensation for abuse victims and/or their families. This compensation may include medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, rehabilitation costs, and other damages resulting from the abuse or neglect.

• Filing Lawsuits and Representing You in Court: If a settlement cannot be reached, a nursing home negligence attorney can file a lawsuit and represent you throughout the litigation process. They will handle all the legal aspects, including drafting legal documents, presenting evidence, and arguing your case in court.

Nursing home abuse lawyers are a crucial ally if you or your loved ones have experienced abuse or neglect in an assisted living facility. By seeking their assistance, you can take steps towards obtaining justice, holding negligent parties accountable, and ensuring the safety and well-being of yourself or your loved one.