The Official Injury Attorneys of the San Francisco 49ers
Walnut Creek Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
The elderly population in the US continues to expand, such that the number of Americans aged 65 years or older will reach 95 million by the year 2060. Another consistent trend is that around half of all aging individuals will require care in a California nursing home or other assisted living environment at some point during their lifetimes. However, one key statistic is cause for concern if you have a loved one residing in a facility. Nearly 1 in 10 of residents will suffer some type of nursing home abuse every year, leading to devastating harm for entire families.
Nursing home misconduct is intolerable, so it is reassuring to know that state law protects elderly and vulnerable individuals. Venardi Zurada LLP is ready to pursue all available legal options, and a Walnut Creek nursing home abuse lawyer can provide details on the process. Please contact our firm to set up a no-cost consultation, though some basics may also be useful.
Spot the Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
It is often the resident’s family members and loved ones who must take action regarding mistreatment, so you should be vigilant in recognizing the signs. Nursing home abuse typically falls into three categories:
- Physical Abuse: This misconduct includes rough handling, punching, misuse of restraints, and other acts of violence. Watch for bruises, cuts, and ligature marks as signs of trouble.
- Emotional Abuse: Though less visible, the impacts of emotional mistreatment can be significant. Indications of emotional abuse include isolation, mood swings, being withdrawn, and fearful in the presence of certain caretakers. Family members should be very concerned if a facility denies access to the resident.
- Sexual Abuse: Since a resident may be traumatized and/or threatened into silence, you must keep an eye out for signs of sexual assault against a resident. Bruising around the genitals, sexually transmitted diseases, and urinary tract infections are red flags.
Legal Remedies for Victims of Nursing Home Misconduct
While individual acts of nursing home abuse may be intentional, liability is typically based upon the negligence of the facility. Examples include understaffing, failure to maintain security, and not using proper care to hire and train employees. In most cases, your first step in the legal process will be filing a claim with the nursing home’s insurance company. If the insurer refuses to pay a fair amount, you file a lawsuit in court.
Our Walnut Creek nursing home abuse attorneys at Venardi Zurada LLP are skilled in settlement negotiations, and we have extensive litigation experience. We strive to ensure victims recover reasonable compensation for medical costs, pain and suffering, and many other losses.
Speak to a Walnut Creek Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Today
A summary of the laws is helpful if you have concerns about a loved one in an assisted living facility, but you will need an experienced attorney to assist with a California nursing home abuse claim. Our team at Venardi Zurada LLP is prepared to advocate on your behalf, so please call 833-893-6763 or visit our website to schedule a free consultation.
