Nursing Home Abuse Attorney in Bridgeport, CT

Unfortunately, neglect and abuse of the elder population is a common occurrence. It is estimated that between 1 and 2 million Americans over the age of 65 have been injured, exploited or mistreated by someone who they depend on for care. Many times this abuse takes place in a nursing home or an assisted living facility. 

How Our Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers in Connecticut Can Help

After hearing about the details of your case, an attorney will advise you on the best course of action to pursue. Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers is available to assist nursing home abuse victims in New Haven, Bridgeport, and Hartford with their legal claims. The law firm is dedicated to helping abused elders receive the justice that you deserve. To receive a free and confidential case evaluation, fill out the contact form.

Types of Nursing Home Abuse in Bridgeport

There are five types of nursing home abuse: neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse and exploitation.

Nursing Home Neglect

One of the most common forms of nursing home abuse is neglect. Nursing home neglect is when a caretaker fails to follow the standard of care deemed appropriate for their position. Nursing home neglect can include failing to provide essentials such as water, food, health care, shelter, safety and hygiene. Also, failing to properly attend to bathroom duties can be seen as neglect. Signs of nursing home neglect include:

• Dehydration
• Odor of urine or feces on the elder adult or in their living space
• Malnourishment
• Rashes or lesions on skin.

Physical Abuse

The definition of physical abuse in a nursing home or assisted living facility varies depending on the state; it is usually defined as a nonaccidental force against a resident that results in physical pain or injury. Physical nursing home abuse may include:

• Pushing or shoving
• Slapping
• Restraining the elder adult for an excessive amount of time
• Forcing the resident to consume certain foods or beverages

Sexual Abuse

Sadly, sexual abuse at Connecticut nursing homes is not uncommon. Nursing home sexual abuse is when an employee engages in any kind of nonconsensual sexual contact with a resident. In some cases, the abused resident is unable to communicate and is taken advantage of. If you notice that a staff member is inappropriately affectionate with your loved one, this may be a sign of sexual abuse.

Emotional Abuse

Nursing home emotional abuse occurs when an employee inflicts mental anguish, pain or distress on a resident with verbal or nonverbal actions. Some common examples of emotional abuse are:

• Bullying
• Harassment
• Isolation
• Verbal assault
• Silent treatment

Exploitation

Exploitation is when a nursing home employee illegally takes, misuses or conceals a resident’s property or money. Warning signs of exploitation include:

• Large, unexplained withdrawals from bank accounts
• Missed bills or disconnected utilities
• Opening or closing of bank accounts

Elder Abuse Laws Are Meant To Protect

As the cases of nursing home abuse continued to climb in the 1980s, the legal community and advocates decided to take action to protect the nation’s vulnerable older adults. In 1987, The Federal Nursing Home Act or the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) established a minimum set of standards of care and rights for people living in certified nursing home facilities. Facilities that do not comply with the law can lose their Medicare or Medicaid funding. Additionally, Connecticut has adopted the Patient Bill of Rights to protect patients that receive extended medical care. The Bill of Rights states that patients deserve:

• The right to be free from mental and physical abuse
• The right to be informed
• The right to receive proper medical care
• The right to a safe and secure environment

If your loved one’s rights have been violated, you may have grounds for legal action. For additional information about nursing home abuse lawsuits, fill out the contact form.

Contact a Connecticut Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

If you believe that your loved one is suffering from a type of nursing home abuse, it is imperative to contact an experienced Connecticut nursing home abuse lawyer. Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers is dedicated to protecting senior adults and fighting for justice on their behalf.

To receive a Free Case Evaluation, fill out the contact form on this page.