Upholding Nursing Home Residents’ Right to Protection from Abuse
A well-run nursing home is supposed to provide your loved one with a safe, healthy, and vibrant place to live. Staff members have a duty to assist with activities of daily living, and medical professionals are tasked with providing quality care. Sadly, elder abuse is common in long-term care facilities. The mistreatment of nursing home residents is both unethical and illegal.
With more than 30 years of experience, the attorneys of Hensley Cloninger & Greer handle abuse cases with the dual goal of stopping the abuse and maximizing compensation for the personal injuries your loved one sustained. We also hope that our actions can prevent other residents from suffering abuse and neglect.
North Carolina’s Bill of Rights for Nursing Home Residents
North Carolina laws guarantee all nursing home residents fundamental rights, including the right to:
Dignity, respect, and individuality
Privacy in their own rooms
Quality and confidential medical care
Accurate billing information in writing
Freedom from mental and physical abuse
Contact with family, friends, and others
Financial independence and respect for personal property
File a complaint and express grievances without fear of reprisal, restraint, interference, coercion, or discrimination
When your loved one’s rights aren’t upheld, it can lead to physical and emotional distress. At Hensley Cloninger & Greer, we can help you find out if you have a case of nursing home abuse and neglect.
Signs of Elder Abuse & Neglect
Often, nursing home residents are unable or unwilling to complain about abusive conditions because of lack of capacity, fear, or embarrassment. You can be your loved one’s eyes, ears, and voice by remaining vigilant about inspecting the premises and speaking out about your concerns.
Signs that may indicate abuse or neglect include:
Untreated bedsores
Uncontrolled infections
Undiagnosed medical conditions
Dehydration and malnutrition
Unexplained fractures, cuts, and bruises
Frequent falls
Soiled bed sheets and clothing
Unkempt appearance
Lack of hygiene
Filth and roach or bedbug infestations
Depression and anxiety, especially around staff members
Financial problems
Physical or chemical restraints
Denied access to your loved one
Recognizing the signs of nursing home abuse is the first step to seeking support and help for your loved one. It is important to seek strong legal support who can help in this situation.
Take Action if You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse
Rarely does nursing home abuse occur as an isolated incident. A single incident of abusive behavior typically indicates a pattern. Therefore, it is crucial to report your suspicions immediately to protect your loved one from further harm.
Our lawyers can guide you through the legal process of filing your confidential complaint with authorities and helping your loved one recover compensation for damages they suffered at the long-term care facility. Before filing a personal injury lawsuit, we ensure that your family member is in a safe place. The nursing home is prohibited from retaliating against you or your loved one for filing a grievance against the entity or its employees. In case of a fatal outcome, we can fight for justice for the loss of a loved one.
If you suspect that your loved one has suffered abuse in a nursing home facility, call Hensley Cloninger & Greer at (828) 383-8414or contact us online. Our firm offers nursing home residents and their families a free initial consultation, and we handle abuse cases on contingency.
