Nursing home abuse and elder abuse cases continue to be on the rise and unfortunately, the isolation involved in COVID-19 protocols may contribute to that as loved ones are kept separate from their family and friends. If you or your loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse in Durham, NC, you may be entitled to recover compensation for what happened.
The lawyers at Ben Crump Law, PLLC are ready to assist you in your nursing home abuse case. If you suspect your loved one was subjected to some sort of abuse while staying in a nursing home, then contact us today at (800) 712-9119 to learn more in a free consultation with our legal team. We can guide you about your case and get you connected with a Durham nursing home abuse lawyer.
Indicators of Nursing Home Abuse
There are some common indicators that may show that your loved one has suffered some form of nursing home abuse. It is important to check for these signs, especially if your loved one cannot communicate on their own. These common signs may include:
- Bruising: You may notice bruises on their arms or legs that were previously not there. This can be suspicious, especially if they do not often get out of bed.
- Changes in behavior: If they suddenly seem depressed or easily confused, this could be an indicator that they have experienced abusive behavior.
- Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite: Not eating and losing weight could be a sign of illness, but it could also mean that your loved one is being abused.
- Broken bones: Unexplained broken bones could indicate that someone at the nursing home is physically abusive.
- Bleeding: Check for any signs of wounds or bleeding, as it could mean that someone is sexually or physically abusing them.
- Bedsores: If your loved one develops bedsores; it shows that they are not being moved enough and are being neglected.
- Unkempt appearance: Look for messy clothes, dirty hair, or a disheveled overall appearance that could show that your loved one has been ignored or neglected by nursing home staff.
For a free legal consultation with a nursing home abuses lawyer serving Durham, call 800-959-1444
The Likelihood of Nursing Home Abuse
Unfortunately, many residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities can be subject to abuse, whether it is from the staff or fellow residents. With COVID-19 keeping elderly patients isolated, it is possible that nursing home abuse and other forms of elder abuse will continue to increase. Make sure to reach out to your loved one often to check in on them whenever possible.
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What Happens if You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse
If you notice any of these signs, contact authorities immediately to launch an investigation into the nursing home and its staff. In North Carolina, there are both assisted living facilities and nursing home facilities that are regulated by state law. For assisted living facilities, contact the Department of Social Services (DSS). Suspected abuse at a nursing home should be reported to the Division of Health Services Regulation (NCDHHS).
Once you contact the proper authorities for North Carolina nursing home abuse, as per North Carolina State Law §108-A 101, so that they can file their official report, you then should consider speaking with an attorney. Speaking with a Durham nursing home abuse lawyer could help shed some light on your case.
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How a Lawyer May Help with Your Claim
After you have discovered the nursing home abuse, then your lawyer will take the case from there, removing the burden of negotiation from your shoulders. This leaves you free to help your loved one recover from the abuse that they suffered at the hands of their supposed caregivers. They’ll ensure that your claim is also filed on time to avoid missing the North Carolina statute of limitations §1-15 for medical malpractice, which is typically one year from the day the discovery of malpractice is made.
Your lawyer handles all communication with the nursing home, their insurance company, and any other involved parties in order to try and negotiate the best settlement possible for you and your loved one. Insurance companies do not often give out large settlements at first, which is why having an attorney on your side is important during this time. No money will make up for the trauma, but it can at least help to alleviate any financial obligations from medical bills or other costs.
To have the most solid case possible, your lawyer will collect evidence to prove the nursing home was negligent in your loved one’s care. This could include medical records, photos, witness accounts, and more.
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Compensation that You May Receive After Nursing Home Abuse
After your lawyer proves negligence, there are types of compensation you may receive upon discovering nursing home abuse. Those types may include:
- Medical Bills: There may be medical bills associated with the abuse, such as time to treat bedsores or broken bones.
- Future Estimated Medical Costs: If the abuse is severe enough, there could be further costs such as mental health care, physical therapy, and more.
- Wrongful Death: If your loved one died as a result of the nursing home abuse they suffered from, then you may be able to file a wrongful death claim.
- Pain and Suffering: You and your loved one suffered mental and emotional trauma and should be compensated for that as well.
If Your Loved One Is a Victim of Nursing Home Abuse, Call Us Today
At Ben Crump Law, PLLC we take on cases in Durham, NC for those who have faced nursing home abuse so that we can help them recover compensation for their terrible ordeal. Our legal team will speak with you in your initial free consultation to learn more about your case and discuss how we can help you.
Contact us today at (800) 712-9119 to discuss your case with one of our representatives so we can talk to you, discuss details, and tell you what it is like to work with a Durham nursing home abuse lawyer. The first call is of no obligation to you, so call now.
Call or text 800-959-1444 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
