We Fight Elder Abuse & Negligence in Nursing Homes in Macon & Surroundings  

Our loved ones eventually require specialized care and attention as they age. While we would love to provide this for them, juggling work, family, and other obligations can make it difficult. That is why nursing homes exist: to provide our community’s senior citizens with comfortable, happy, and fulfilled sunset years.

But what if this safe haven for our cherished grandparents, parents, guardians, and elderly relatives turns out to be a danger zone? Unfortunately, nursing home abuse and neglect are real issues that frequently result in severe injury, mental suffering, and, in extreme cases, death. At least one out of every three elderly residents has been a victim of nursing home abuse. Furthermore, according to the WHO, two out of every three staff members admitted to abusing or neglecting residents.

At Seay/Felton LLC Trial Lawyers, we make certain that your loved one’s rights are not violated. We are here to assist you in holding the responsible assisted living facility accountable. Contact our Macon, GA, law firm today for a thorough case evaluation!

What is Nursing Home Abuse? 

Nursing home abuse occurs when caregivers harm elderly residents in long-term care facilities. In this instance, we are discussing both intentional and unintentional (negligence) harm. In many cases, this harm can result in immediate or long-term physical and mental trauma, medical emergencies, and even death.

Unfortunately, nursing home abuse is common due to factors such as understaffing, poor or inadequate training, and caregiver burnout. These issues, when combined, result in irritable and dissatisfied employees who take their rage out on the nursing home residents. In other cases, a lack of motivation causes them to be ineffective in responding to emergencies such as strokes or falls, which are common in nursing care facilities.

The good news is that you can seek justice for elder abuse and the resulting injury/harm your loved one suffers at their hands. In addition to reporting the abuse to authorities such as Adult Protective Services (APS), you can seek compensation for the nursing home’s heinous actions. And our law offices are prepared to assist you in fighting for just compensation for your loved one anywhere in Macon, Georgia.

Types of Nursing Home Negligence and Abuse

Nursing home abuse and neglect is a broad topic that encompasses a wide range of actions. In fact, the law covers not only physical abuse, but also mental, emotional, and other forms of abuse. However, becoming acquainted with the types of abuse that are common in nursing homes can assist you in fighting for and obtaining justice for your loved one.

So, here are the types of abuses that nursing home residents may face in such a facility:

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse occurs when nursing home caregivers intentionally cause physical harm to a resident. Pushing, hitting, kicking, slapping, choking, inappropriate restraining, and other such behaviors are common in many cases. This is one of the most severe forms of abuse an elderly person can endure, and it can result in medical emergencies.

Neglect

Nursing home neglect occurs when residents are left unattended for long periods of time or receive subpar care, affecting their comfort, security, and health. Neglect in assisted living facilities can result in severe dehydration, pressure ulcers, sepsis, a decreased quality of life, and, in some cases, premature death.

Sexual Abuse

Unfortunately, sexual abuse, in which residents are subjected to non-consensual sexual activity, occurs in nursing homes across the country. Sexual abuse, regardless of age, is one of the most difficult experiences a person can have and can leave permanent emotional and mental scars. The elderly in nursing homes are especially vulnerable to such intentional abuse because they lack the strength and voice to defend themselves.

Financial Exploitation & Emotional Abuse

Residents of assisted living facilities are sometimes subjected to financial and emotional abuse. While neither form of abuse physically manifests itself in the form of scars and such, they may be just as harmful, if not more so. And it can make your elderly relative’s life a living hell. Unfortunately, emotional abuse is the most common type of abuse in nursing homes.

How to Know Your Loved One is Going Through Abuse or Negligence in a Macon Nursing Home 

Unfortunately, many older adults are unable to share their abuse or neglect experiences due to fear, shame, and, in some cases, medical conditions that cause them to forget or become confused. As a result, it is frequently your responsibility to recognize warning signs of nursing home abuse and report it.

Because each nursing home abuse case is unique, the details may differ. Nonetheless, you will notice some red flags. Make a point of looking for elder abuse:

Physical abuse: 

• Bedsores, especially ones that are severe and infected, are also known as stage 4

• Unexplained sprains, broken bones, dislocations, and fractures

• Bruises, burns, and welts on the body

• Cuts and lacerations on the skin

• Facial and dental injuries

• Signs of restraint, such as rope marks on the elder’s wrist

• Falls that cause fractures or head injury

• Infections that have advanced into sepsis

• Broken glasses

• Sudden fear or discomfort when the caregiver is around

Emotional/ Mental abuse: 

• The refusal of the caregiver to let you be alone with the elderly person

• Unusual behavior mimicking dementia, even though they don’t have it. For example, persistent mumbling, sucking one’s thumb, rocking behaviors, and withdrawal.

• Belittling, harsh, controlling, or threatening behavior on the part of the caregiver.

Sexual abuse: 

• Unexplainable sexually transmitted diseases 

• Bruising of the genitals, breasts, and areas around private parts

• Stained, bloody, or torn underwear

• Vaginal or anal bleeding that is not a symptom of your loved one’s medical condition

Neglect: 

• Persistent, unusual weight loss

• Dehydration and malnutrition

• Unsafe living conditions, like lack of heating, no running water, faulty wiring, and other obvious hazards 

• Administration of the wrong medication or dosage

• Unsuitable dressing for the weather

• Not bathing the person or leaving them dirty for days on end

• Poor hygiene, including dirty bedding and clothing and room/ living areas 

Financial abuse: 

• Unexplained withdrawals or transfers from the older person’s bank 

• Sudden changes in wills, property ownership titles, life insurance policies, power of attorney, etc.

• Missing cash or valuables from the elder’s home or room

• New names and signatures on the elder’s credit cards

• ATM withdrawals when the elderly loved one cannot walk and is bedridden.

• Lack of the needed medical care even though your loved one can afford it

How Can Our Lawyer Help You with Your Physical and Mental abuse Case Against a Nursing Home? 

If you suspect that your elderly loved one is being neglected or abused in a nursing home, the best thing you can do is consult with a lawyer who can advise you on your next steps. Waiting too long, or until you are absolutely certain, puts your loved one in danger and could result in severe injuries or even death.

Our attorneys have extensive experience handling nursing home abuse cases and will assist you in:

Assessing the Facts of Your Case

We begin by reviewing the facts you have about the alleged abuse and advising you on your chances in court. We provide a free consultation for this, so you won’t have to pay any legal fees upfront.

Investigating the Abuse

When we accept your case, we get right to work. This includes a thorough investigation of the physical, financial, or emotional abuse. We will review your loved one’s medical records and even go to the Georgia nursing home to gather additional evidence for your case. We will work hard to gather as much information as possible in order to prove abuse or neglect beyond a shadow of a doubt.

Creating a Solid Case That Holds Water in Court

We will begin by gathering hard evidence and witness accounts in order to build a strong case that will result in maximum compensation for you and your loved one. Trust that our lawyers will put together all the paperwork and present it in the best possible way. We will only file a lawsuit if we are confident that your case has everything it needs to succeed.

Getting Your Loved One the Settlement They Deserve 

Finally, whether in the negotiating room or in court, we will fight hard to get you a fair settlement. We are not only concerned with obtaining compensation, but also with ensuring that the settlement equals the emotional or physical abuse or neglect suffered by elderly family members.