Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys Baton Rouge

If you or a loved one has been a victim of nursing home abuse in Baton Rouge, you may be feeling helpless and alone. You are not alone. The experienced Baton Rouge, nursing home abuse lawyers at Babcock Injury can help.

Nursing home abuse takes many forms, including physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect. Unfortunately, nursing home abuse is all too common. According to a report from the National Center on Elder Abuse, as many as one in ten nursing home residents are abused each year.

If you suspect that your loved one is being abused, it is important to take action immediately. The first step is to contact an experienced nursing home abuse lawyer. The lawyers at Babcock have successfully represented nursing home abuse victims and their families for over 30 years. We will fight to get you the justice and compensation you deserve.

Contact us today at (225) 240-4053 for a free consultation.

The Signs of Nursing Home Abuse

Nursing home abuse is often hidden by the people who are responsible for the care of residents. This makes it difficult to identify when abuse is taking place. However, there are some signs that may indicate that your loved one is being abused.

If you notice any of the following signs, it is important to contact an experienced nursing home abuse lawyer immediately:

• Bruises, cuts, or other injuries that cannot be explained
• Sudden changes in behavior, such as withdrawal or aggression
• Unexplained weight loss or malnutrition
• Dehydration
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Loss of interest in activities
• Unusual financial activity

Nursing Home Negligence & Abuse

The failure of nursing home staff to provide adequate care for patients is referred to as neglect. The majority of instances of neglect are caused by problems such as:

• Understaffing
• Lack of training
• Poor supervision
• Overworked Staff

Physical, emotional, and/or medical neglect of a nursing home are all possible.

Physical Neglect in Nursing Homes

Neglect does happen in nursing homes. Unfortunately, this can lead to some pretty serious consequences.

Emotional Neglect in Nursing Homes

The emotional well-being of nursing home residents is just as important as their physical well-being. Unfortunately, emotional neglect is all too common in nursing homes.

Signs of Emotional Neglect

There are some signs that may indicate that a nursing home resident is being emotionally neglected. These include:

• Changes in mood or behavior
• Withdrawal from social activities
• Lack of interest in anything
• Sudden changes in eating habits
• Unexplained weight loss or gain
• Nervousness or agitation

Physical Neglect in Nursing Homes

Physical neglect is a type of abuse that can occur in nursing homes. It is the intentional or unintentional failure of staff to provide adequate care for residents.

Some signs that a nursing home resident may be physically neglected include:

• Bedsores
• Dehydration
• Malnutrition
• Unsanitary conditions

Physical abuse is any type of violence that is inflicted upon a nursing home resident. This can include hitting, shaking, kicking, biting, burning, or otherwise causing physical harm.

Other forms of neglect may include:

• Failure to Meet Nutritional Needs – A nursing home resident has the right to receive adequate nutrition. This includes three meals a day that meet their dietary needs. Unfortunately, some nursing homes fail to provide adequate nutrition to residents. This can lead to malnutrition and other health problems.
• Failure to Meet Medical Needs – A nursing home resident has the right to receive adequate medical care. This includes regular check-ups, prompt treatment of illness and injuries, and access to necessary medications. Unfortunately, some nursing homes fail to provide adequate medical care to residents. This can lead to serious health problems.
• Failure to provide adequate hydration – A nursing home resident has the right to receive adequate hydration. This means that they should have access to water and other fluids throughout the day. Unfortunately, some nursing homes fail to provide adequate hydration to residents. This can lead to dehydration and other health problems.
• Failure to clean residents’ living quarters and other areas of the facility – A nursing home resident has the right to live in a clean and safe environment. Unfortunately, some nursing homes fail to keep residents’ living quarters and other areas of the facility clean. This can lead to illness and injury.

Residents who are left unsupervised may suffer serious injuries as a result of falls, choking on food or drink, and wandering away from the home.

Sexual Abuse in Nursing Homes

Sexual abuse is any type of sexual contact that is forced upon a nursing home resident without their consent. This can include rape, sexual assault, or unwanted touching.

Signs That Sexual Abuse May Be Occurring

There are some signs that may indicate that a nursing home resident is being sexually abused. These include:

• Bruises or bleeding in the genital area
• STDs
• Unwanted pregnancy
• Changes in behavior, such as withdrawn or seductive behavior
• Sudden changes in sleep patterns
• Depression or anxiety

What are the Signs of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect?

The best method to detect and prevent nursing home neglect and abuse is for the resident’s family to be diligent. Regular visits allow you not only to spend time with your elderly loved one, but also to keep an eye on them for warning signals of carelessness at the facility.

Although it is clear that nursing home abuse and neglect are not always simple to detect, especially if residents are scared to do so, there are certain signals you should look for in order to keep your loved one safe.

• Poor Hygiene
• Bedsores
• Fractures Resulting from Falls
• Unsanitary Conditions
• Changes in Mood or Personality
• Sudden Weight Loss
• Bruises, Lacerations, Scratches,
• Soiled Linens and Clothing
• Locked Doors or Windows
• Missing Money
• Theft of Personal Property
• Lack of Communication by Nursing Home Staff
• Illegal Restraints
• Missing Medications
• Worsening of Medical Condition

Staff members who are not attentive to residents’ needs are often the ones who end up committing abuse or neglect. If you notice that your loved one’s caregiver is not paying attention to their needs, or is impatient with them, it may be a sign that abuse or neglect is occurring.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Nursing Home Abuse in Louisiana?

The statute of limitations is the time period in which a victim of abuse or neglect must file a lawsuit. In Louisiana, the statute of limitations for nursing home abuse and neglect is one year from the date of the injury or death. There is also a $500,000 cap on the total amount of compensation awarded to family members.

Louisiana Laws & Help for Nursing Home Abuse

All Louisianans are required by Louisiana’s Adult Protective Services Reporting Law, La. R.S. 14:403.2, to notify authorities about abuse, neglect, exploitation, and extortion of disabled individuals. Any citizen who reports in good faith and assists in an investigation by the protective service agency is immune from prosecution under the law.

If you suspect that your loved one is suffering elder abuse you may call 1-800-898-4910 to contact Adult Protective Services. APS also investigates and accesses the adult’s risk of harm.

If the individual in question is over 60 the call 1-833-577-6532 to report the abuse. The Adult Protective Services will then investigate to see if the allegations are founded.

You may find more information for APS by visiting https://ldh.la.gov/index.cfm/faq/category/15

When to File a Complaint for Assisted Living Abuse

The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH) requires any persons with knowledge of alleged nursing home abuse to file a complaint within 24 hours. Failure to do so could result in a fine of up to $500, up to six months in prison, or both. If you suspect your loved one or another nursing home resident may be experiencing abuse, you should make a report right away.

An experienced Baton Rouge nursing home abuse lawyer could help you determine the type of abuse occurring, outline the laws pertaining to such abuse, explain your rights, and determine the best strategy for recourse.

Taking Legal Action Against Nursing Homes

Federal legislation outlines two requirements for nursing homes. Residents are to be issued assistance devices and receive supervision to prevent accidents, and they must have a hazard-free environment. Following 42 CFR sec. 483.25(d), if any facility does not comply with these regulations, they may be subject to a lawsuit.

Depending on the type of nursing home abuse, an attorney in Baton Rouge may advise that a lawsuit against the facility in question is the best option to pursue compensation and accountability. A dedicated lawyer can advise on the best action for your loved one’s situation and evaluate whether or not filing a suit is in their best interest.

Consult an Experienced Baton Rouge Nursing Home Abuse Attorney

If you have any questions about nursing home abuse or neglect in Louisiana, or if you need to file a lawsuit, please contact a nursing home abuse lawyer in Louisiana.

If you suspect that your loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, it is important to act quickly.

If you notice any of these signs, it is important to contact an experienced nursing home abuse lawyer immediately. The lawyers at Babcock Injury have successfully represented nursing home abuse victims and their families for over 30 years. We will fight to get you the justice and compensation you deserve.

Contact us today at (225) 240-4053 for a free consultation.