What to Do if You Suspect Abuse

Many nursing homes are shorthanded and inadequately trained. Although Federal and state laws demand high safety standards, residents are often at the mercy of improper supervision and poorly trained staff, resulting in injury or wrongful death. Understanding what constitutes abuse is helpful if you suspect your loved one has suffered emotional or physical trauma.

According to the Administration on Aging (AOA), abuse is “any knowing, intentional, or negligent act”. Therefore, abuse can include physical, sexual, and emotional abuse or abandonment.

If you believe your loved one or another patient is in danger, move the patient to a safe location and do not leave him or her alone. Contact the nursing home supervisor. If a report is not properly addressed by the nursing home administrator, contact the proper state agency immediately. Contact local law enforcement. Then, choose a highly qualified nursing home attorney that can help you protect your loved one’s rights.

Document Abuse

Keep a record of the abuse. If dressings are not changed on time, clothes or linens are soiled, personal hygiene is lacking and you note bruises or other signs of physical trauma, these observations should be documented. Take photos of bruises or other physical signs of abuse. Record the date and the names of everyone responsible for your loved one’s care. Get copies of all medical records. Be proactive in protecting your family member from abuse.

Seek legal counsel immediately if you suspect a patient has been neglected, abused, or suffered wrongful death. Dr. Gene Cullan and Dr. Sam Cullan are AV-rated trial attorneys and doctors who understand both the legal and medical issues surrounding poor-quality nursing home care.

Please contact our Phoenix nursing home abuse lawyers today at (602) 786-8860 to schedule your free, confidential consultation. We serve clients in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and all of Arizona.