Nursing Home Injury Lawyers
Was your loved one abused, mistreated, injured or did they tragically die while under the care of a North Carolina nursing home?
Elderly abuse in nursing homes is becoming a very real problem that has hurt thousands of North Carolina families. Issues range from unsanitary conditions to poor medical treatment, and even lack of proper food safety practices. Whatever the case is, there is never an excuse for the poor treatment of the elderly.
North Carolina has passed the Protection of Abused, Neglected or Exploited Disabled Adult Act for these very reasons. But even with these added laws, abuse is still happening on a daily basis.
Abuse can be defined as any willful act that results in physical injury or mental distress and the unnecessary confinement or failure to provide for basic needs of the patient. Confinement can be thought of as an instance when an elderly resident is left without a way to leave their room or failure to provide proper care. Even though they are not confined per the typical definition, the neglect of their needs can be considered confinement. The penalties for this kind of abuse are quite severe.
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Warning Signs
Learning to recognize these signs is the first step toward putting a stop to this heinous crime.
Here are some of the common warning signs of nursing home abuse:
- Bed sores
- Recurring headaches/migraines
- Malnutrition or dehydration
- Scratches or bruises
- Unusually quiet or doesn’t want to talk
- Obvious wounds or sores
If you suspect elderly abuse,
call today for your free consultation
Reporting Elderly Abuse
If your elderly loved one is showing any of the above symptoms, a report should be immediately filed with the director of the nursing home. Workers in the facility are required to report any instances of neglect or abuse, and may be held criminally liable if they fail to do so. In some cases, a court may intervene and an emergency visit to the facility will occur.
North Carolina law requires anyone who suspects an elderly person is being abused or neglected to report it immediately. All names are kept confidential, and they are shielded from any criminal liability if their reporting is done with good faith.
There are two types of elderly care facilities in North Carolina; Adult Care Homes and Nursing Home Facilities. The reporting procedure is different for each one. Refer to the following information for reporting:
Adults Care Facilities –
Report to the county Department of Social Services where the facility is located.
Nursing Home facilities –
Report to the NC Division of Health Services Regulation.
We will fight to hold the abusers responsible, and we will fight for compensation for any medical costs and pain and suffering that has been inflicted on you and your family members. Though damages vary in scope and size, here are some of the areas where compensation is considered.
Medical expenses
Disability
Therapy/rehabilitation
Pain and suffering
Mental anguish
Wrongful death
