Unfortunately, there is a relatively high potential for abuse and neglect of nursing home residents. If you suspect your loved one suffered injuries from their caregivers in a nursing home, you may be able to bring a claim for compensation on their behalf with the assistance of a Stamford nursing home abuse lawyer.
When employees and administrators of nursing homes allow their residents to suffer abuse or neglect, they can be civilly liable for the costs of the injuries that result. Getting compensation can benefit your loved one, but it also may allow you to hold these facilities responsible for their wrongful conduct. A compassionate injury lawyer could guide you through the claims process so you can obtain justice for your loved one.
Types of Nursing Home Abuse
When many people think of abuse, they automatically think of physical abuse. While physical abuse can occur in nursing homes, abuse can take other forms as well. For instance, some nursing home employees may inflict emotional or psychological harm on nursing home residents.
Other common forms of abuse that may occur in a nursing home setting include:
- Sexual abuse
- Financial abuse or exploitation
- Neglect or failure to provide for the basic needs of residents
A nursing home abuse lawyer in Stamford could investigate the situation and build evidence in support of a claim for damages.
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Identifying Signs of Abuse in Stamford
Identifying whether abuse has occurred can be challenging. Some elderly individuals may be unwilling or embarrassed to speak up if they are experiencing abuse. Abusers also may have made threats to their victims to prevent them from disclosing their actions.
Some common signs of physical abuse in nursing home residents may include unexplained bruises, wounds, and other injuries. If someone appears overly sedated or are unnecessarily restrained, someone may be intentionally neglecting their needs. Sudden weight loss, lethargy, and generally withdrawing from others also can be signs of abuse.
Neglect may result in the deprivation of basic needs, which can lead to dehydration and malnutrition. Failing to provide adequate hygiene for residents can result in bedsores and infections. By consulting a nursing home abuse attorney in Stamford, family members may be able to seek justice against those who caused the injuries.
The deadline to file in Connecticut
Connecticut law generally gives you two years from the date the injury is sustained or discovered to bring a claim, and in most cases no more than three years from the act or omission complained of, even if the injury is discovered later. That deadline comes from Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-584.
The reasonable inquiry certificate
Before a malpractice suit can proceed, Connecticut law requires a reasonable inquiry certification. That requirement comes from Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-190a: a plaintiff must file a reasonable inquiry certificate with the complaint, declaring that they have made a reasonable inquiry to determine that medical negligence occurred.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of nursing home abuse can occur?
Nursing home abuse can take forms other than physical abuse. The page identifies emotional or psychological harm, sexual abuse, financial abuse or exploitation, and neglect or failure to provide for the basic needs of residents.
What are common signs of nursing home abuse or neglect?
Common signs described include unexplained bruises, wounds, and other injuries; appearing overly sedated or being unnecessarily restrained; sudden weight loss; lethargy; withdrawing from others; dehydration and malnutrition from deprivation of basic needs; and bedsores and infections from inadequate hygiene.
How can families document suspected nursing home mistreatment?
The page explains that a successful injury claim must rely on evidence of negligence and that documenting events can be crucial. Examples include keeping medical records, written personal accounts, medical bills, and reports made to nursing home staff.
What compensation may be available in a nursing home abuse claim?
Compensation may include medical expenses for injuries suffered as a result of abuse, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma. The page notes that documenting these expenses is a necessary step in the claims process.
How can a Stamford nursing home abuse lawyer help with a claim?
According to the page, a lawyer can investigate the circumstances, gather evidence in support of the claim, and help document injuries. The page also states that the process can be lengthy and complicated and that an attorney could guide families through seeking compensation for a loved one.
Documenting Mistreatment
Any successful injury claim must rely on evidence of negligence on the part of the nursing home and its employees. Carefully documenting the events that led up to the abuse at issue can be crucial to a valid claim. Keeping records of these events, through medical records, written personal accounts, medical bills, and reports made to nursing home staff, can bolster a claim.
Various damages may be available through a claim. Compensation may include medical expenses for injuries suffered as a result of abuse, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma. However, the documentation of these expenses is a necessary step in the claims process.
A Stamford Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Can Help
The process of filing a claim for damages related to nursing home abuse can be lengthy and complicated. You must investigate the circumstances, gather evidence in support of the claim, and document injuries that occurred. A Stamford nursing home abuse lawyer could guide you through this challenging process of seeking compensation for your loved one. Call today to get started on your claim.