Baltimore Nursing Home Assault & Battery Lawyer
When family members make the painful decision to place their loved one in a nursing home, they can only hope that the facility will provide the quality care their family member deserves. Unfortunately, nursing homes do not always provide that quality care. Sometimes, seniors are the victims of assault and battery, even when the facility is expensive, well-maintained, and clean. This is why it is so important that loved ones know the signs of assault and battery, and when to call a Baltimore nursing home assault & battery lawyer that can help.
Types of Assault and Battery that Occur in Nursing Homes
Assault occurs in nursing homes for a number of reasons, but there is never an excuse for it. One of the most common reasons is that nursing homes are often understaffed. This results in the staff members on duty feeling frustrated and becoming impatient with residents, which leads to them kicking, hitting, slapping, pushing, or manhandling them.
Although no one wants to think it could ever happen, sexual assault is another common form of abuse in nursing homes. Residents with dementia and other mental impairments do not have the capacity to provide consent, and nursing home staff members are in a power of authority over the patient. This may make the resident feel as though they are powerless to stop it.
Assault also does not always require physical contact. Threatening abuse, making threatening gestures, throwing things, and destroying property can all be considered assault as long as it places the resident in fear of imminent physical harm.
Who is Liable for Assault and Battery in a Nursing Home?
Many people automatically think that the staff member carrying out the assault and battery is liable, and that is often true. However, the nursing home facility may also bear some responsibility.
Nursing homes must ensure that they are only hiring qualified staff members that can properly care for the residents inside the facility. They must also ensure that their staff members are trained properly and know how to interact with the elders in their care. When they fail to do this, and a staff member assaults a resident, the facility can be held partially liable.
Signs of Assault and Battery
The elders in a nursing home often do not want to come forward about the assault and battery they are the victims of because they are embarrassed or ashamed. Other times, they simply do not have the capacity to understand that the abuse is occurring. It is for this reason that family members must know the signs of abuse, and look for them when they suspect it is happening. The most common signs include:
- Sprains, strains, and dislocated joints
- Broken bones
- Marks around the wrists or ankles from involuntary confinement
- Regular hospitalizations for injuries, often at different institutions
- Strained or tense relationships with the staff members
- Withdrawal from activities the elder once enjoyed
These are all signs that a senior is the victim of assault and battery, particularly when nursing home staff cannot offer viable explanations for them.
Our Baltimore Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers can Help Your Family
There is little that is worse than learning your loved one is the victim of assault and battery from the people that you trusted to provide them with quality care. When you suspect or learn of this type of abuse, it is important that you call our Baltimore nursing home abuse lawyers at Iamele & Iamele, LLP. We will conduct a full investigation and gather evidence to prove your claim, assist with removing your loved one from the facility, and help secure the compensation your family needs. Call us today at (410) 779-6160 to schedule a free consultation and to learn more about how we can help.
