Suing for Damages in a Personal Injury Case

The fear of elder mistreatment is a prevalent concern for many families, and rightfully so. Over a two-year monitoring period, there were nearly 9,000 incidents of abuse within US nursing homes, with at least 1,600 of these cases posing the risk of serious injury or death. As a family member, you are your loved one's greatest asset and biggest advocate. Make sure you know how to recognize the potential signs of elder abuse.

Defining Abuse

When it comes to elder abuse or mistreatment, it's important to understand that abuse comes in many different forms. Abuse doesn't just involve the idea of someone physically striking your loved one. If a caretaker doesn't provide an individual with their required medical treatment, properly supervise them to eliminate the risk of a fall or some other injury, or even neglects their necessary hygiene and sanitary needs, they are in fact abusing the individual they promised to care for.

Be An Advocate

Although your loved one is in the hands of a nursing home facility, make sure you're being their advocate for proper care. In some cases, abuse is progressive. There may be early warning signs that allow you to halt this type of situation before it leads to a serious injury or even death.

A loved one who suddenly emotionally withdrawals, experiences rapid weight loss, or has unexplained bruises and injures represent just some of the indicators that should at least signal an alarm and prompt you to investigate the well-being of your loved one.

When Abuse Is Deadly

For some families, the abuse against their loved one is magnified and is ultimately responsible for their demise. When families are faced with this type of tragedy, it's important that they understand that they are not alone. While there are criminal proceedings that may take place in this type of situation, there may also be civil penalties due to your family in the form of a wrongful death suit.

Wrongful death cases aim to bring compensation to the survivors of individuals who have lost a loved one due to the direct or indirect, negligent practices of another person, business or other entity.

Don't underestimate the benefit an attorney, like those at the Law Offices Of John Drew Warlick Jr., P.A., can extend to you and your family during this type of difficult situation. An attorney can help offer the peace of mind that your loved one will be granted the justice they deserve. Don't suffer in silence.