We expect nursing homes and assisted living facilities to provide care for people who can’t live independently. Most do an admirable job, but some do now. Nursing home abuse and neglect are more common than you might know.
If you suspect someone has abused your loved one in a nursing home or similar facility, take action. Call the nursing home abuse lawyers in North Bergen at Morelli Law Firm. Our team will review your situation in a complimentary case assessment.
Damages You Could Be Eligible to Receive
The victim could be eligible for both economic and non-economic damages, depending on what they’ve suffered. As your nursing home abuse lawyer, one of our tasks is to calculate the value of damages like:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment in life
- Medical bills
- Any other costs related to the abuse the victim suffered
In order to do this, our team will gather evidence with the help of government regulators. Gaining access to a nursing home can be a challenging task, but regulators have the authority to gather information if there is a complaint of neglect or abuse.
That evidence, plus our own investigation, are the bedrock for calculating the amount of compensation your loved one will receive if they win their case.
What to do If You See Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
Far too many cases of elder abuse go unreported by victims because people are too scared or are unable to report. The best defense is regular visits by family. If you notice serious danger or injuries, the first step is to call 911 to get them treated and to remove the victim from the home.
Beyond obvious injuries, like unexplained bruises, bedsores, and cuts, there are other signs that could point toward abuse. These include:
- Sudden behavioral changes
- Withdrawal from social activities
- Loss of interest in previous enjoyments
- Sudden weight gain or loss
- Refusal to talk about their experiences at the home
Sometimes, these things happen for medical reasons, especially in elders with memory issues. Bring it to the attention of the home and hear what they have to say. If things don’t improve over time, you may need to talk to a long-term care ombudsman and a nursing home abuse lawyer in North Bergen.
North Bergen Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Near Me 877-751-9800
We Help Keep Your Case Moving Forward
One frustration we hear in our consultations is that complaining to nursing homes doesn’t seem to solve problems. Residents have a right to care free from abuse and neglect. A nursing home abuse lawsuit can push your case forward, as well as get the attention of regulators.
The New Jersey Long-term Care Ombudsman will be involved in our case investigation. They are the state inspectors of nursing homes and have the authority to enter facilities and question people about complaints. If they find a violation related to your case, we can take the evidence they find to press our claim.
Also, if they find terrible conditions, they can perform enforcement actions and refer issues to federal regulatory agencies. This can threaten the home’s access to Medicare funding. In egregious cases, a home could get shut down for violations. If this happens, the residents will get moved to other facilities.
Be Careful of Elder Financial Abuse
A growing category of elder abuse is financial abuse. Many nursing home residents have much wealth in their accounts and it’s a target for thieves and abusers. If someone takes money or property from a resident without their consent or knowledge, or understanding what’s happening, they may have a case.
It could be something as simple as forging signatures on checks to long-term scams that get victims to sign over property deeds, become beneficiaries, or gain powers of attorney. Many financial abusers are someone the victim already knows and trusts.
Residents who have dementia or other memory-based neurological problems are especially vulnerable to this kind of abuse. Without financial support, victims may lose the money needed to pay for care, and start a chain reaction of mental and physical problems they may never recover from.
Call Morelli Law Firm for a Free Consultation
Nursing home abuse can quickly become a matter of life and death. Swift action now can preserve the dignity of your loved one’s life. Start your case by calling the Morelli Law Firm. Our North Bergen nursing home abuse lawyers are ready to assist you. You can also reach out to us through our free case evaluation form.