Scottsdale Nursing Home Abuse Attorney
Experienced Scottsdale Nursing Home Abuse Attorney
One of the most difficult things we often must do is entrust our loved ones to others’ care, particularly when it comes to nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Unfortunately, for many of us, there is simply no other alternative. We do our homework and hope that our loved ones are treated with care, respect, and professionalism. But we hear too many stories about nursing home abuse and neglect. How can you ensure that your loved one is safe, and if you have suspicions that they are being neglected or abused, how do you hold those responsible accountable? If you suspect that a loved one has been abused in a nursing home or assisted living setting, getting the experienced assistance of a Scottsdale nursing home abuse attorney is essential. At Skiver Bradley, we can help.
What Defines Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect in Arizona?
Nursing home abuse laws in Arizona have been designed to protect vulnerable individuals from abuse, neglect, and exploitation by caregivers, nursing home staff, family members, or anyone who takes advantage of the vulnerable elderly. Laws define these acts as follows:
- Nursing home abuse — any intentional physical harm, injuries caused by negligence, sexual abuse or assault, emotional injury or harm, or unjustified confinement in a care setting
- Neglect — any deprivation or failure to provide services to a vulnerable person which failure would present an imminent danger to their health, safety, welfare, or presents a probability that serious physical harm or death could result
Any individual in a nursing home setting deserves respectful and hygienic care and the appropriate medical responses to their conditions. When a nursing home or assisted living facility is not providing this standard of care, they can be subject to a nursing home abuse claim and even state censure. This is when it is critical to have the legal assistance of a Scottsdale nursing home abuse attorney to hold the individuals and facility accountable.
Staff, medical professionals, and nursing home administrators are required to report any incidence of abuse or neglect within 48 hours of discovery. Unfortunately, abusers often work covertly, and other staff or administrators may fail to report suspicions or instances due to the fear of possible criminal charges or the closing of the facility. Your loved one deserves better.
Types of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
Nursing home abuse and neglect can take many forms. The National Center on Elder Abuse reports the most common forms of abuse and neglect are:
- Physical abuse including hitting, pushing, punching, or other forms of battery against a nursing home resident
- Lack of appropriate attention and care, resulting in malnutrition, dehydration, bedsores, or living in unsafe and unhygienic environments leading to medical malpractice
- Sexual abuse and non-consensual sexual contact
- Emotional and social neglect, including being left alone and ignored or verbally abused, often leading to withdrawal, depression, anxiety, and other odd behaviors
- Financial abuse and exploitation
How to Know If Your Loved One is Being Abused
It’s incumbent for families to be watchful of telltale signs of potential abuse of a loved one. These can include:
- Weight loss, dehydration, malnutrition
- Multiple or unexplained falls
- Wounds on the heels and coccyx indicating bedsores and inadequate turning and adjustment
- Changes in mood and activity
- Unexplained cuts and bruises
- New strange behaviors like rocking or sucking
- New or worsening confusion or disorientation
Although many of these signs can often be dismissed because of advanced age or possible dementia, they should never be ignored. Many older adults will not come forward to report abuse, and it will often come out in other less-obvious ways.
How is a Facility Held Responsible for Abuse?
Nursing home facilities have an obligation to hire qualified personnel for their positions. They must conduct proper background checks and ensure that employees are adequately trained and have no history of abuse or violence. Without good hiring practices in place, a facility can be held responsible in an abuse claim for:
- Negligent hiring practices
- An understaffed facility
- Inadequate training
- Responsibility for third parties that operate within the facility
- Breach of the statutory or regulatory rights of its residents
- Medication errors
- Facility negligence
Getting Legal Assistance From A Scottsdale Nursing Home Abuse Attorney
Despite our best efforts to research and find the right facility for our loved ones, abuse can still happen. If you suspect that a loved one is experiencing nursing home abuse or neglect, get the immediate assistance of the experienced team of Scottsdale nursing home attorneys at Skiver Bradley. For a no-cost consultation to discuss your suspicions and your legal options, contact us.