West Palm Beach Elder Negligence Lawyers Freeman Injury Law Home
Nursing Home Abuse
The types of abuse that can happen to adults of all ages can take place anywhere. But the residents of nursing homes who are often weakened by illness or other infirmities may find themselves particularly vulnerable. The National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) terms abuse any “knowing, intentional or negligent act” that inflicts harm on an adult who is defenseless or otherwise susceptible.”
The Florida nursing home abuse and neglect attorneys at Freeman Injury Law are prepared to help you understand your rights in the event that you or someone you care about feels that they’ve suffered abuse at the hands of a caregiver or other individual. The firm’s many years of experience in handling nursing home abuse cases can provide you and your loved one with comfort of knowing that capable experts are on YOUR side.
The National Elder Abuse Incidence Study reported that more than half a million U.S. residents over the age of 60 were abuse victims.
The same study reported that only a small percentage of the incidents that occur are actually reported. More than eight out of 10 abuse incidents go unaddressed.
A U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging has estimated that the number of abuse victims may be as high as 5 million Americans.
What sorts of abuse might be seen in nursing homes? The NCEA describes five types of abuse that is perpetrated against vulnerable elderly people.
- Physical abuse occurs when an elderly person is threatened with an injury or sustains an injury that causes physical pain or bodily harm. Keeping someone from obtaining a basic need, such as food or water, also can be considered physical abuse.
- Sexual abuse involves any type of sexual contact that is forced on an individual without their consent.
- Emotional abuse happens when non-physical pain is inflicted verbally or through intentional non-verbal acts. In such cases, elderly people might feel mental pain and upset.
- Neglect occurs when caregivers fail to provide for a vulnerable person’s basic needs. Those needs might include safety, shelter, food, water and the like.
- Exploitation describes what happens when unscrupulous individuals take financial or other assets belonging to a vulnerable elderly person. Intentionally hiding funds from a nursing home resident or misusing their assets also constitutes exploitation.
- Abandonment means that a vulnerable elderly individual has been deserted by person who was to provide care or otherwise take responsibility for the individual.
The suspicion that a loved one has been victimized by an individual entrusted with their care can be a particularly upsetting occurrence for family members. The nursing home abuse and neglect lawyers at Freeman Injury Law have extensive experience in identifying the signs of abuse and know how to ensure that those you care about get the protection they need and deserve. If you have questions about possible abuse, contact Freeman Injury Law for a free consultation to explore your rights.
