Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, a department of the CDC, there are more than 1.3 million residents in the 15,600 nursing homes in the United States. The National Ombudsman Reporting System data shows that almost 15,000 complaints reported to Ombudsman programs involved abuse, exploitation or gross neglect. Neglect is the failure to provide an elder’s basic life necessities, such as food, housing, medicine or hygiene. Unfortunately, this is a growing problem as Baby Boomers age and the number of people suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s increases.

If you or a loved one have suffered from neglect or improper care in a nursing home, Weiner, Spivey & Miller, PLC, can help. Since 2000, we have advocated for the victims and families of those who have been injured or killed due to the negligence of others. Each of our senior attorneys has over 40 years of experience in investigating, negotiating and trying nursing home abuse cases across Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia.

Common Nursing Home Injuries

Nursing home injuries include any type of physical harm sustained by an elderly individual while staying at a nursing home or other related long-term care facility. Some of the most common types of injuries include:

• Bedsores: This occurs due to a lack of movement that causes excessive pressure on the skin.  Elderly people may spend long periods of time in their beds without moving, which can develop serious and painful bedsores. Some bedsores can even become infected over time or become ulcers if left untreated for too long.
• Malnutrition: Lack of proper food, often due to inadequate staffing or lack of personalized care for patients, can lead to elderly people developing malnutrition while staying at a nursing home. Malnutrition can cause weight loss, infections and other serious health conditions.
• Infections: Infections are unfortunately common in nursing home due to many elderly patients having weak immune systems and health conditions that can lead them to develop serious infections. Urinary tract infections, skin infections, Influenza and other infections are some common types that can occur in nursing homes.
• Spinal cord injuries: These injuries can occur in many situations, such as when an elderly person falls or trips or when a staff member accidently drops a patient while moving them or a resident.
• Broken bones: Falls are an especially common cause of broken bones or fractures, as many aging adults have difficulty with mobility, which can put them at risk. Conditions such as arthritis and osteoporosis can also impact patients mobility and cause them to fall and injure themselves.

Any of these injuries can have a serious impact on a nursing home patient. When these injuries are caused by negligent nursing home practices or abuse, we can help you take the necessary legal actions.

Determining Abuse In A Nursing Home

How can you tell if an injury was abuse or just an accident? This is a common question we hear from clients. Recognizing the signs of abuse in a nursing home is crucial to helping hold the negligent parties responsible for the harm caused to you or a loved one. Look out for these common signs for the different types of abuse:

• Physical abuse: Bruising, bleeding, open wounds or bedsores; torn, stained or bloody clothing or bedding; sudden weight loss or weight gain; poor hygiene, hair loss, ligature marks around the neck, wrists or ankles; broken personal items
• Sexual abuse: Vaginal or anal bruising or bleeding; bloody, torn or stained underwear or bedding; venereal diseases or genital infections; emotional withdrawal or anxiety
• Emotional abuse: Social isolation or being excluded from activities; acting nervous around staff or other residents; physical or emotional withdrawal; sudden financial transactions

If you notice any of these signs in your loved one’s behavior, it may indicate something wrong is going on. If your loved one has complained about any mistreatment, take it seriously and try to determine exactly what is happening and how often. We can help you navigate this serious situation and hold those responsible accountable for their improper and negligent actions.

Attorneys Fighting For The Rights Of Your Loved One

If your loved one has been abused or neglected in a nursing home, please call us at 703-273-9500, or contact us online. We will listen to your concerns and help you understand your legal options. There is no cost for the consultation.

Example Of Our Assistance To A Victim Of Nursing Home Neglect

Breach in the standard of care results in nursing home injury: Eunice was 85 years old and was still doing crossword puzzles most days. After several falls and broken bones, she realized that she was unable to care for herself and moved into a nursing home near her daughter. While Eunice was recovering from a broken hip, an aide was assisting her on a short walk in the hall. Eunice used a walker. She should have been supported by a gait belt, but instead, the aide walked behind her to give support. When Eunice fell, the aide was unable to break her fall. Eunice re-fractured her hip and broke her collarbone. The aide’s actions did not meet the standard of care for someone with Eunice’s physical condition. Ed Weiner negotiated a significant, confidential settlement on Eunice’s behalf.

Click here to see our results on behalf of other clients.