If you have a loved one who lives in a nursing home, the last thing you want to consider is whether they have been physically abused. However, a surprising number of nursing home residents are abused every day.
In spite of the fact that nursing home facilities owe their residents a duty of care to prevent harm to them, residents may frequently experience abuse and neglect.
One of the most common types of nursing home abuse is physical abuse. If you suspect your loved one is being abused, you need to report it and promptly consult an experienced nursing home abuse and neglect attorney.
Types of Physical Abuse in Nursing Homes
Nursing home residents have suffered numerous types of physical abuse. Some of the most common types of nursing home physical abuse include:
- Slapping or hitting in the face, head, hands, legs, arms, back, or anywhere on the body.
- Grabbing or holding with unreasonable force.
- Hair pulling.
- Pushing, shoving, and kicking.
- Pinching.
- Biting.
- Rough handling.
- Improper use of physical and chemical restraints.
- All forms of sexual abuse and non-consensual sex or sexual touching.
These are the most common, but not the only types of physical abuse that occur in nursing homes. If you notice any suspicious signs that indicate improper or rough touching, ask questions and stay alert.
Warning Signs of Nursing Home Physical Abuse
Physical abuse does not always leave marks. However, some warning signs to look for include:
- Bruises, welts, or other marks on their skin.
- Scars.
- Cuts and abrasions.
- Restraint marks on a resident’s wrist or ankles.
- Broken bones or dislocated joints.
- Unexplainable rips and tears in the resident’s clothing.
- The resident seems fearful, depressed, or agitated when a staff member enters the room.
- The resident complains of unusual pain that has no explanation.
Many residents are unable to speak up and report abuse. Others may keep quiet out of fear of retaliation. Nursing home residents are vulnerable and need our support and protection. We must stay vigilant to keep them safe.
What To Do If You Suspect Nursing Home Physical Abuse
If you believe a nursing home resident is in immediate danger, call 911 and report it. You should also make a complaint to the Georgia Department of Community Health, Healthcare Facility Regulation Division. Call them at 1-800-878-6442 or file a complaint online.
You could also gather evidence to help prove the abuse. Take photographs and video footage of the resident’s visible injuries, the condition of the room, and anything else that seems significant. Speak to any willing witnesses, including any former staff members.
Get a copy of your resident’s file, including all medical documentation, invoices, medical bills, and a list of all medications prescribed for them.
Consult an experienced nursing home abuse attorney right away. A nursing home abuse and neglect lawyer can help you report the suspected abuse. They will also take fast action to try to identify and collect vital evidence to prove your claim before the evidence is destroyed, lost, or diminished.
Our nursing home abuse and neglect lawyers have the experience, skills, and resources to help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Nursing Home Physical Abuse Attorney
If you or your loved one may be the victim of nursing home abuse, we want to help you. At Julie A. Rice, Attorney at Law, & Affiliates, our attorneys work tirelessly to help protect the rights of nursing home residents.
We have a proven record of recovering maximum compensation for our clients, and we want to do the same for you.
Call (770) 865-8654 or visit our contact page today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.