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What Type of Abuse Happens in Nursing Homes?

Nursing home abuse is the misuse or exploitation of an elderly/dependent individual in assisted living facilities. Unlike neglect, abuse is always intentional. There are four general categories of nursing home abuse: physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and exploitation. Every type is a crime, and abusing an elderly person is a felony crime.

Nursing Home Abuse

Nursing Home Abuse Statistics

Startling Facts: One out of every six persons age 60 and up in the United States has endured elder abuse in community settings during the past year, while two-thirds of staff members of nursing homes surveyed by the World Health Organization (WHO) acknowledge mistreating or neglecting elderly residents in their care during the past year.

The numbers point to another troubling truth: Texas ranks worst in the U.S. for elderly care. A staggering 80% of nursing homes in Texas fail to achieve an above-average rating score during health inspections. 95% of nursing homes violate state or federal safety regulations, and many receive an ‘F’ rating for direct care staffing hours per nursing home resident.

If you or a family member is facing possible nursing home abuse and neglect—we urge you to speak up. Reach out to our team. Knowledge is power in these situations. Our Houston nursing home abuse attorneys can assess the facts of your case, lay out your rights and options, and help you build a strong legal claim for justice. Call (713) 932-0777 for a free, confidential case review.

What Are the Signs of Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect?

If you suspect a loved one is being abused or neglected in a nursing home, be on the lookout for these physical and behavioral indicators:

  • Unexplained weight loss — Is your parent inexplicably losing weight? If so, there is a chance that nursing home caregivers are not properly feeding them.
  • Dehydration — Your elderly relative’s hydration is a basic responsibility of the nursing home staff. Failing to stay hydrated can result in serious medical complications and can be grounds for a nursing home neglect lawsuit.
  • Bedsores — Your parent should not have bedsores (ubiquitous ulcers) Period. If they do, someone is not properly tending to their needs.
  • Unsanitary conditions — Is your mother obviously unbathed? Are her sheets or clothing soiled? If so, she may be the victim of nursing home neglect.
  • Public desertion — Was your parent left alone by a nursing home aide in a public place? This is an obvious endangerment and possible grounds for a neglect suit.
  • Broken bones — Broken bones can be the result of falls in nursing homes or from caregiver abuse. Physical abuse by caregivers happens. If you see this, call us immediately.

These practices have no place in the care of our nation’s elderly population. If you see any of the above signs, document them and contact us now to speak to a nursing home negligence lawyer immediately.

Hiring a Houston Nursing Home Abuse Attorney

Once you have decided that something just is not right and that you need to make a move, the personal injury attorney you contact should:

  • Offer you a free consultation to discuss the details of your case — Never pay for your first meeting. Instead, choose an attorney who offers a no-obligation, no-cost consultation to discuss if you have a legitimate case.
  • Operate on a contingency fee basis — What this means is quite simple. If your personal injury lawyer fails to win your case, they do not receive payment. Only after you obtain compensation will your lawyer get paid. What do you have to lose?

If you believe that a nursing home has abused you or your loved ones, make sure to take legal action right away. The statute of limitations for such a situation in Texas is a mere two years—your opportunity for justice could expire if you delay. Call (713) 932-0777 now to discuss your legal options with an experienced Houston, TX nursing home abuse attorney.

Filing A Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuit

Nursing home abuse is an inexcusable wrong, punishable by law. Victims—or their families in the case of wrongful death—can take legal action in the form of a nursing home abuse lawsuit. Each case is unique, but the goal remains the same: to secure full and fair compensation from the liable party. This includes damages for medical expenses, physical and emotional pain and suffering, disability or disfigurement, and diminished quality of life.

Texas laws lack any meaningful protection for those in nursing homes, as ‘right to correct’ protections prevent appropriate punishment for abusers. Tort liability payouts are also capped at just $250,000 per case, making it increasingly difficult for victims to receive the compensation they deserve. Then too, it may be difficult to prove elder abuse, as residents often have difficulty communicating what happened to them, or are simply too intimidated to speak up.

If you believe your loved one has suffered abuse in a nursing home, the best way to take legal action is to consult a qualified Houston nursing home abuse attorney. You need a medical malpractice lawyer who will thoroughly analyze medical records, photos, and communications, as well as consult medical professionals to establish abuse or injuries. Our nursing home abuse attorneys will work closely with you to assign an appropriate value to the case, and then aggressively pursue a settlement or jury verdict on your behalf.

Contact Simmons and Fletcher, P.C. Today

If you think you have a legitimate claim, our Texas personal injury attorneys can help. Finding a nursing home abuse lawyer experienced with Texas nursing home abuse lawsuits can be difficult due to the changes in the law passed under the banner of tort reform. Caps on damages and strict requirements in the law can make handling these cases challenging. At Simmons and Fletcher, P.C., if your case is one in which we cannot assist you, we will try to help you find a healthcare liability claim lawyer who handles your type of case. As a result, some cases are likely to be referred to another attorney for handling–with the client’s permission.

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ABOUT OUR FIRM

Simmons and Fletcher, P.C., rooted in Christian values, exclusively handles personal injury cases, advocating for the rights of accident and negligence victims. Our Houston-based team, dedicated to compassion and excellence, handles cases across car accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, slip and falls, dog bites, and other types of cases with a commitment to personalized care. Upholding integrity and client-focused service, we strive for impactful legal outcomes. For a detailed understanding of our approach and team, visit our attorneys page.

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