Most nursing home staff members go above and beyond to ensure their residents are cared for, but unfortunately, some aren’t so conscientious. Nursing home neglect and abuse can take a variety of forms, including failure to provide basic medical care, striking and hitting, and verbal abuse. If you believe your loved one has suffered abuse or neglect, knowing what to do can protect their safety and ensure they’re fairly compensated for their injuries.

What to Do When You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse

1. Watch for Signs

Many victims are unwilling or unable to discuss their experiences, so be vigilant and look for common signs of nursing home neglect and abuse. Take note of any sudden personality changes, unexplained bruising, frequent injuries, bedsores, or rapid weight loss. Document each instance with pictures and examples.

2. Report Your Concerns

The signs you’ve noticed may have another explanation, so speak with hospital caregivers and administrators about the care your loved one is receiving. If you don’t feel that your concerns are being taken seriously, you may want to file a complaint with the agency responsible for investigating nursing home neglect and abuse in your state.

3. Get Your Loved One to Safety

The safety of your elderly family member is the main priority, so remove them from the facility if the situation doesn’t improve. This might involve moving them to another nursing home or bringing them to live with you until you can find another place.

4. Talk to a Lawyer

Personal injury attorneys have the investigative resources to substantiate your claims and the expertise to calculate a fair settlement for the abuse your loved one experienced. By leveraging the threat of a lawsuit, a lawyer can often help achieve some measure of justice by collecting compensation for their medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages.

If you suspect your loved one has been the victim of nursing home neglect or abuse, the attorneys at Miraldi & Barrett, Co., are ready to fight for their rights. Since 1949, they’ve helped thousands of victims throughout Lorain County, OH, providing a level of service that has earned them the distinction of Super Lawyers® for seven consecutive years. Visit their website to learn more about their practice areas, follow their Twitter for more tips, and call (440) 233-1100 to arrange a consultation.