As baby boomers begin to enter their later years and life expectancy continues to rise, the demand for round-the-clock senior care is increasing. Unfortunately, this has also led to an increase in nursing home abuse. While many elder care centers present themselves as competent, well-run facilities, they are often staffed by overworked and undertrained workers. According to estimates by the Special Investigations Division of the House Government Reform Committee, elder abuse occurs in approximately one out of every three nursing homes, with ten percent of all seniors being likely to experience some form of mistreatment.
Common Forms of Elder Abuse
There are several different ways that the elderly can be abused in a nursing home. This abuse can be physical, emotional, sexual, or financial in nature. Sadly, many of these forms of abuse are difficult to detect and leave little evidence, making it crucial that family members pay close attention to their loved ones keep an eye out for any signs of mistreatment. While cuts and bruises are obvious, subtle signs such as the disappearance of personal items, emotional withdrawal, and mysterious financial transactions are potential clues that must be looked for.
The following are examples of how elders can be abused:
- Overmedication
- Neglect leading to personal injury and fall downs
- Emotional abuse
- Identity theft
- Assault
Filing a Claim
If you ever have reason to believe that your loved one has been abused in a nursing home, you should contact a nursing home abuse lawyer to file a claim as soon as possible. Due to a two-year statute of limitation, legal action must be taken promptly in order to be permitted by law. Your lawyer can advocate for a fair settlement on your behalf and, if necessary, represent your interests in a court of law.
Retain Trial-Tested Counsel Today!
At Sette & Parnoff, P.C., we do not tolerate elder abuse. For more than 40 years, our firm’s personal injury attorneys have served countless clients in throughout Connecticut. Our dedicated representation and vast legal knowledge has earned us a solid reputation within the legal community, giving us the skills and passion necessary to take on even the toughest of cases.
If you believe you or a loved one have been the victim of elder abuse in Hamden or New Haven, request a free consultation today by calling our office at (203) 490-4155.