Salter Ferguson, LLC

Menu

Menu

Representing Clients
Throughout Central Alabama

Worried About Nursing Home Neglect Or Abuse? An Experienced Birmingham Nursing Home Negligence Attorney Can Help You.

When you have a loved one who is no longer able to take care of himself or herself, whether it is because of aging or a disability, you expect that your loved one will get adequate care in a nursing home facility. If you have any reason to suspect that they have been the victim of abuse or neglect, please do not hesitate to talk to a Birmingham nursing home abuse lawyer at Salter Ferguson, LLC, and protect the people you love. Contact us today at 205-408-4357.

Why Do I Need A Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer?

At the law offices of Salter Ferguson, LLC, our Birmingham nursing home injury attorneys are dedicated to protecting the rights of all victims. Nursing home neglect and abuse are far too common and there is no excuse. It is up to you to take a stand, and we can help you make sure your loved one has access to the proper care he or she needs through a personal injury claim in Alabama.

We are passionate about the care of our elderly and disabled. It is our position that the “least of these” are properly cared for in a humane, compassionate and skilled manner. Let us all speak and protect our loved ones who are the individuals most vulnerable to negligence. We can assist you in contacting the appropriate reporting agencies when a loved one has been mistreated or neglected or has suffered a preventable injury.

Birmingham Nursing Home Abuse Resources

What Are The Signs Of Nursing Home Abuse In Birmingham, Alabama? There Are Multiple Signs To Detect Abuse, And Often, The Family Members Are The First People To Notice Them.

If your loved one has developed pressure sores (bedsores or decubitus ulcers) leading to skin breakdown, they could be a sign of abuse or neglect. These may seem like small injuries to begin with, but if not properly treated, they can cause serious problems, including those that lead to infection, sepsis and a possible need for amputation.

Injuries such as bedsores and pressure sores can be the result of different types of abuse. Poor skin could be the result of malnutrition and dehydration. It can also develop after the misuse of restraints.

Common Signs Of Nursing Home Physical Abuse Are:

  • Bruising or scars seen on the body
  • Unexplained broken bones, dislocations or sprains
  • Any signs of restraint, leaving marks on a patient’s wrist
  • Scratches
  • Bite marks

Speak to an experienced nursing home abuse lawyer today if you or a loved one has suffered from any of the above.

Of course, our firm is dedicated to protecting all victims of abuse and neglect, including head injuries, hip fractures and falls. If you have any reason to believe your loved one has been the victim of abuse in a negligent nursing home, our personal injury attorneys will conduct an investigation to learn more.

What Should You Do If You Suspect Abuse?

If you suspect that a loved one has suffered neglect, abuse, exploitation or harm of any kind at a nursing home or by a nursing home staff member, your first priority should be to prevent further harm and remove your loved one from the dangerous situation. You should also report the issue to the police so there is a report on file and then contact a nursing home attorney in Birmingham to start discussing your options for legal recourse.

It May Be Difficult To Spot The Signs Of Nursing Home Abuse. Some Of The Most Often Overlooked Signs Of Abuse Include:

  • A loved one deflecting questions or avoiding topics of conversation. An abused loved one may feel intimidated by his or her abuser and try to steer conversations away from topics that may expose the issue.
  • Staff issues. If you notice that the staff members in a nursing home appear frazzled, overworked or otherwise upset, this could indicate problems with the administration and employment structure at the nursing home, potentially impacting patient care. High staff turnover should also be another red flag as the nursing home may not be properly vetting their employees before hiring them.
  • A loved one asking for a new caregiver. Your elderly relative may ask you to find a new caregiver or a new nurse but not provide any reason for this. If your loved one cannot give you a straight answer as to why he or she wants a different caregiver, take this is as a possible warning sign of abuse.

 

Your loved one may not show any outward signs of abuse like bruises or cuts, so it’s imperative to look for changes in their behavior or things that seem out of the ordinary in the nursing home. It’s also important to note that some elderly individuals struggle with the mental deterioration that can make it difficult for them to describe their circumstances or report incidents of abuse. Ultimately, you should trust your instincts and if something feels wrong, investigate it.

Once you confirm that nursing home abuse has occurred, and you have safely removed your loved one from the dangerous situation, contact an experienced Birmingham nursing home abuse attorney who can help you determine your best next steps. It’s possible to file a civil lawsuit against an abusive caregiver or nursing home, and the offender will likely face criminal charges as well.

Nursing Home Abuse Statistics

According to the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA), about 10% of all senior citizens in nursing homes experience at least one type of abuse. Studies also indicate that for every known case of elder abuse there are 24 unreported cases. The most common types of elder abuse are financial exploitation, verbal abuse, physical abuse and neglect.

There are also numerous risk factors that family and friends of nursing home residents should know. The NCEA reports that nursing home residents with little social support face disproportionate targeting for abuse. A nursing home resident with few family members may appear to be an easy target. Additionally, nursing home residents who suffer from dementia are at exceptionally high risk of suffering abuse as well.

The NCEA reports that as many as 50% of dementia patients experience some kind of abuse, most likely because their abusers believe the victims won’t be able to report the abuse or even realize what is happening. Of those who suffered abuse, 88% reported psychological abuse. This is unfortunately common as abusive caregivers may simply assume that a dementia patient has no idea what is happening and is, therefore, an easy target. Nearly 20% reported physical abuse, and almost 30% experienced some type of neglect.

In-home Meetings & Free Consultations For Victims Of Nursing Home Negligence And Abuse In Birmingham, Alabama

Get the help you need today. We handle all nursing home abuse cases on a contingency basis, which means that you do not have to worry about legal fees until we get you and your family the compensation you deserve. We offer a flexible appointment schedule including after-hours and off-site visits. Contact a Birmingham nursing home abuse lawyer for a free initial consultation by sending us an email with your contact information. You can also call 877-298-4878. Get justice for your loved ones today.