Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect

Few things are as heartbreaking as the abuse or mistreatment of individuals who are unable to care for themselves. We trust nursing homes every day to care for our loved ones and when a facility abuses that trust by abusing or neglecting our loved ones, it is simply heartbreaking. Unfortunately, these scenarios are not uncommon, and nursing homes that neglect or abuse our loved ones must be stopped.  A recent ABC News article reported there was abuse at 1 in 3 nursing homes based on a congressional study that revealed numerous reports of serious physical, sexual, and verbal abuse.

If you have a loved one in a nursing home or adult care facility, it is important pay very close attention and take careful notes if you suspect abuse or neglect.  You should be mindful of not just your loved one’s condition and appearance, but also pay attention to the other residents and the facility itself.  For example, things you should pay attention to is does the facility seem clean? Is the staff friendly? Can the staff answer your questions about your loved one’s care? Does your loved one look clean and well groomed?  You should note the date and time of the visit, how long you stayed, the staff you came in contact with, and what things you observed that would give rise to your belief that abuse or neglect is occurring.  The list of things to be on the lookout for could go on and on.  What’s important is that you trust your gut.  If you suspect abuse or neglect, the first thing you should do is report it to the North Carolina Division of Health Service Regulation.  In addition to visiting their website and filling out a complaint online, you can also contact them by phone at 800-624-3004.  All complaints regarding abuse and neglect at adult care facilities are sent to the Department of Social Services for investigation.

If the abuse or neglect that you suspect has led to damages (medical expenses, pain and suffering, or even death), you should then contact our office to speak with a lawyer for no charge about pursuing a claim against the nursing home.  Injuries and death from nursing home neglect, negligence or abuse comes in many different forms.  We represent injured nursing home residents and the families of those wrongfully killed in cases involving any of the following:

• Verbal abuse, mental abuse, physical abuse or sexual abuse
• Preventable Accidents
• Medication errors
• Bed sores, pressure sores, decubitus ulcers
• Inadequate medical care
• Inadequate sanitation and hygiene
• Wandering
• Sepsis
• Malnutrition or dehydration
• Clogged Breathing Tubes
• Burns
• Choking
• Financial Exploitation
• Undue Influence

If you have a situation that does not fall into one of the above categories, we still may be able to help.  These are merely the most often types of nursing home abuse and mistreatment that we see.  If your loved one has been the victim of abuse or mistreated at a nursing home, contact an experienced nursing home attorney at the Law Offices of Robert D. Rouse, III, to discuss taking legal action.  We will give you an honest assessment of your case and will pursue all avenues of recovery if nursing home negligence or abuse led to serious injuries or death to you or a loved one.