Trumbull Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

Placing a loved one in a nursing home is a difficult decision that many families must make. They do this with the presumption that their relative will receive competent, attentive and compassionate care, but that is sadly not always the case. Sometimes nursing home residents suffer from physical abuse, neglect and exploitation. In this situation, you should reach out to an experienced personal injury attorney.

If you suspect a loved one has suffered at the hands of residential staff, seek counsel from Trumbull nursing home abuse lawyer George W. Ganim, Jr. Monetary damages could be available to compensate your loved one and a lawsuit against the facility could spur them to improve their care of other residents.

Why Are the Elderly More Vulnerable Than Others?

Residents of nursing facilities often cannot stand up for themselves when someone is mistreating them. Cognitive difficulties, illness or a weakened physical condition might limit their ability to report what they are going through. Bullying and intimidation sometimes accompany elder abuse and the resident could be afraid to mention what they are experiencing.

Connecticut General Statutes §53a-320 makes it a crime to abuse a person over age 60. The statute defines abuse as a repeated act or omission that causes physical injury. If there are signs that a facility resident is being abused, police involvement could be appropriate.

Even when a facility seems to be well-run, it is important to closely observe a loved one for signs of neglect. Some of these signs could be difficult to distinguish from the expected effects of advanced age. However, it is always preferable to ask a local nursing home abuse attorney about a disturbing observation rather than assume that there is an innocent explanation.

What Are Some Signs of Nursing Home Negligence?

When a facility is not providing quality care, there are often indications that could be proof of negligence. Signs of negligent care could include:

  • Patients wandering without supervision or escaping from the facility
  • Delayed medical treatment
  • Falls and lack of fall-prevention measures
  • Unexplained changes in a patient’s mood or mental state
  • Bedsores
  • Sudden weight loss or gain
  • Dehydration
  • Lack of cleanliness or poor hygiene among patients
  • Unexplained changes in their financial records
  • Physical or sexual assault

If a resident shows signs of negligent care, it could be prudent to get a Trumbull elder abuse lawyer involved. Even if the patient or their family ultimately chooses not to bring a lawsuit, a letter from an attorney indicating poor care could spur staff and administrators to resolve the issues of concern.

Seeking Damages from a Negligent Facility

Damages in a negligence case can compensate the injured person for what they lost due to another person’s lack of care. In a nursing home case, calculating damages is complicated by the already frail condition of the injured individual.

Typically, the damages in a nursing home neglect or abuse case focus on the emotional harm the person suffered as a result of their physical injuries, as well as the experience of being treated in such a cruel manner. Damages can be awarded for the patient’s pain and suffering, embarrassment, lost ability to enjoy life and mental anguish. A family might seek damages for loss of companionship and for wrongful death, if applicable. Attorney Ganim can present evidence that demonstrates the ways in which the nursing home’s neglect diminished the patient’s wellbeing and robbed them and their family of quality time together.

Seek Compassionate Representation from a Trumbull Nursing Home Abuse Attorney

It is heartbreaking and infuriating to see a vulnerable loved one mistreated by the people who are supposed to care for them. A Trumbull nursing home lawyer can support your family through the ordeal while providing valuable advice based on extensive experience. If you suspect inadequate care or abuse at a long-term care facility, call Attorney George W. Ganim, Jr. to schedule a free consultation.