Paducah Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

Abuse That Residents Face in Assisted Living Facilities

The severity and type of abuse directed at nursing home residents can vary. Whether physical or emotional, all of these actions can lead to traumatic effects on your loved one. Some of the most common forms of nursing home abuse include:

Physical Abuse

Unfortunately, some staff members may physically harm residents. This abuse should never happen, but it is common. Recurring abuse develops into physical injuries or even unexpected behavior changes in your loved one.

Emotional Abuse

Abuse does not have to be physical. Often, emotional abuse can be just as damaging as being punched or kicked. Shouting, insulting, or belittling seniors is a form of abuse.

Sexual Misconduct

Any non-consensual sexual contact is considered to be abuse. The staff or other residents often commit these acts. Any unexplained injuries to the genital area, sexually transmitted infections, or behavioral changes in your loved one should be investigated.

Neglect

All nursing home residents need to be treated with care and respect. When caregivers fail to do so, it can lead to neglect. Nursing homes may not be able to provide a loved one with the care they require. This is detrimental to the resident’s health and well-being. Inadequate nutrition, poor hygiene, lack of medical attention, or failure to provide a safe space are all types of abuse.

Financial Exploitation

Sometimes, a caregiver might want to take advantage of a resident’s financial situation. Often, they steal checks or forge signatures for monetary gain. Missing possessions or changes in bank accounts could indicate that something is wrong.

If you have concerns about your loved one’s care, you need to act. Contact a Paducah nursing home abuse lawyer like ours to see what legal options you can take against these negligent facilities and their staff members.

Nursing Home Laws in Kentucky

Nursing homes in Paducah must follow state and federal regulations to prevent abuse and neglect. These include:

Federal Nursing Home Reform Act (NHRA)

Enacted in 1987, the NHRA establishes the rights of nursing home residents and sets minimum standards for care. Residents have the right to dignity, autonomy, and safety. Facilities must comply with these regulations to participate in Medicare and Medicaid programs.

Kentucky Nursing Home Residents’ Rights Statute

Along with that, Kentucky law also protects residents’ rights. These ensure residents receive care in a safe environment, are treated with respect, and have the right to voice grievances without fear of retaliation. This statute also mandates that facilities must have policies to prevent abuse and neglect.

Licensing and Oversight

All nursing homes are licensed and regulated through the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services. Regular inspections and surveys are conducted to ensure compliance with established standards.

Reporting Nursing Home Abuse in Paducah

According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), only one in every 24 cases of abuse will ever be reported.

If you believe that nursing home abuse occurred, you need to take the following steps to protect your loved one and their rights:

Document the Problem

You will want to keep a detailed record of your observations. This should include all dates and times of the questionable incidents. Make sure to document any physical signs of abuse. Photographic evidence can also help solidify your claims.

Make an Internal Complaint

In any case, you need to report the issue to the nursing home administrator. While they might be responsible, you still need to give them an opportunity to address the problem. However, if you fear retaliation against your loved one, you might report your findings to an outside party.

Call Adult Protective Services (APS)

In serious cases, you can escalate your concerns. Adult Protective Services is an agency that investigates allegations of neglect, abuse, or exploitation of vulnerable adults. You can contact APS in Kentucky at (877) 597-2331.

Involve Law Enforcement

If you believe that immediate harm or a criminal act is occurring, contact local law enforcement. They can intervene and help protect the safety of the residents.

Consult a Paducah Nursing Home Abuse Attorney

You may also want to consult a personal injury or nursing home abuse attorney in Paducah. They can provide guidance on your legal options, help you understand your rights, and assist in pursuing justice for the victim.

Compensation Available to Victims of Nursing Home Abuse

If your loved one has been a victim of nursing home abuse, you can take legal action to recover damages. This can include economic and noneconomic awards for losses. This means compensation may be available for:

• Hospital bills
• Rehabilitation costs
• Ongoing care needs
• Physical pain
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life

In cases where the nursing home’s conduct is found to be egregious, punitive damages may be awarded. However, these awards are not applicable to every claim. You will want to reach out to Prince Law Firm to learn more about your options.

A Paducah Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Can Handle Your Claim

Nursing home abuse is a serious issue. Unfortunately, these types of abuse affect the most vulnerable individuals and their families in Paducah.

If you suspect that your family member has been mistreated, you will want to reach out to a Paducah nursing home abuse lawyer.

At Prince Law Firm, we can assist you during this difficult time. We can help you financially hold these individuals accountable for their negligent actions against your loved ones. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your options.