Deciding to send a loved senior member to a nursing home, or finding a caregiver, is never an easy decision. To top that, if you find signs of abuse or neglect, it can be heartbreaking. Senior abuse & neglect, unfortunately, is a fact, and in many cases, trusted caregivers are to be blamed. If you believe that your older parent or a family member is being subjected to abuse, you need to call one of the Colorado Springs personal injury lawyers at the earliest.
Spotting the signs
There are a few tell-a-tale signs of nursing home abuse and senior neglect. Sadly, most victims in such cases choose to remain silent, so you have to look for the signs. Check for unexplained injuries, cuts, and burns, and if there is a sudden change in their daily routine. Poor hygiene is also an important sign that a person is not getting the care they deserve. You might find unexplained weight loss or even bedsores. Senior abuse can relate to physical abuse, sexual abuse, abandonment, self-neglect and so on.
Seeking legal assistance
If you believe that there is eminent threat to the life of the concerned person, call the police right away. However, for other cases, it is best to check all relevant details and if needed, you can give a warning to the nursing home or caregiver in writing. However, if you believe that the situation is not going to get any better, your best bet is to contact a personal injury lawyer. They should be able to guide you on whether you should file a lawsuit or how to take things ahead, so the interests of the senior are not compromised.
Hiring a personal injury lawyer
There are some amazing personal injury lawyers in Colorado, and they will be more than happy to assist on such matters. In some situations, they may just recommend changing the nursing home, because the place may have a history of neglect and lack of care. On the other hand, legal action is more than necessary, and you can expect the lawyer to give a fair idea of the outcomes and what can be expected in terms of compensation.
Only a small number of caregivers engage in neglect, so in many ways, this is just a fraction of the industry. However, when your loved one is facing neglect, you have to ensure that the same doesn’t continue and they get compensated for their suffering.
