Fairfax Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
Skilled Nursing Home Litigation in D.C. & Virginia
The facilities and caregivers responsible for caring for the elderly have a duty to treat patients and residents with dignity and an appropriate level of care. Sadly, this does not always occur. Negligence and abuse can cause serious injuries or even the loss of elderly loved ones – brought on by the very people to which their well-being was entrusted. At Shevlin Smith, we are committed to holding caregivers, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities in Virginia and D.C. accountable for substandard care, neglect, and abuse.
We are skilled litigators with over 130 years of collective experience to apply to nursing home litigation. If you suspect abuse, mistreatment, or neglect, now is the time to talk to a Fairfax nursing home negligence attorney at our firm. We can review the matter with you to determine not only how to stop the abuse from continuing to occur, but to bring the at-fault party to justice.
On This Page:
- Types of Abuse & Negligence
- Abuse Consequences
- Abuse by Caretakers & Family Members
- Who to Notify
For a free and confidential consultation, call (703) 721-4233.
Types of Abuse & Negligence at Nursing Homes
Unexplained injuries, sudden emotional withdrawal, dramatic weight loss, and bedsores may all be indicators that a loved one is being mistreated or neglected at a nursing home. The most important thing you can do is take immediate action.
Involve an attorney who can help you take the necessary steps to uncover abuse or negligence and hold the responsible parties liable for medical costs and more. Our Fairfax nursing home abuse attorneys can take on a wide range of cases involving the various types of mistreatment and misconduct at elder care centers.
This includes:
- Bedsores
- Malnutrition
- Dehydration
- Overmedication
- Medication errors
- Unnecessary restraints
- Emotional abuse
- Physical abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Neglect
- Wandering and elopement
- Negligent supervision
- Medical malpractice
Nursing Home Abuse Consequences
There is a 300% increased risk of death for a senior who has been subject to abuse vs. one who has not. Other risks include:
- Psychological Effects - Depression, distress, anxiety, and PTSD are frequently occurring consequences of elder abuse.
- Social Consequences - The effects of abuse can be very isolating, and you may notice your loved one withdrawing from social situations.
- Disturbed sleep - Seniors who are abuse victims can develop sleep disorders such as insomnia or excessive sleepiness.
Abuse by Caretakers & Family Members
You might be understandably shocked and upset to learn that nursing home abuse is not always carried out by strangers who do not have a history with the abused elder. In many cases, abuse is carried out by a family member visiting the elder staying in the assisted living center. Elders may find it more difficult to speak up about abuse from a family member because they are worried about getting that person into trouble, despite the mistreatments they have suffered. Or they might be unaware of the abuse because they trust that person to take care of them, such as in a financial exploitation case.
When a family member is not the one abusing an elder in a nursing home, the next most likely abuser is a caretaker. People working at a nursing home have direct access to elderly residents, often without any form of supervision. It is also possible for another resident to be the perpetrator of abuse, like an angry or bitter resident.
Who to Notify About the Abuse
When you become aware of abuse being inflicted upon your elderly loved one, you need to notify the proper parties to help set things right. But who should you tell?
If you believe your loved one is in immediate danger due to abuse or gross neglect, then you should call the police, as it may be a criminal matter. If your loved one is not in immediate danger, then you may want to call a nursing home abuse attorney before you tell the nursing home about what is happening. A dishonest nursing home center may try to tamper with potential evidence of the abuse, like deleting medical records or terminating a caretaker suspected of wrongdoing. Speaking with a nursing abuse lawyer before talking with the nursing home can help by formulating a plan of action ahead of time.
Don't Wait to Get Help Today
With our experience and our reputation, nursing homes understand that we will go the distance for our clients. Let us negotiate or litigate on your behalf. We know the law, know the defense, and know how to win.
Contact our offices at (703) 721-4233 to talk to Fairfax nursing home abuse attorney about your concerns.
