Elders are the pillars of society, yet they are too often victims of nursing home neglect and abuse. Nursing homes are regulated at both federal and state levels and these facilities are required to comply with strict guidelines in caring for patients as well as treat their residents with dignity and respect. Personal injury attorney Flora Templeton Stuart and her staff have decades of experience representing injured elders throughout Kentucky, Tennessee, and the nation.
All too often, victims do not report nursing home abuse or neglect for fear of retaliation. Many times, a loved one must act on behalf of an elderly nursing home resident to demand change and accountability. If your instincts tell you that your loved one may be the victim of nursing home neglect or abuse, don’t dismiss them, and don’t accept the nursing home’s explanation that a condition was unavoidable.
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When she’s not engaged in her legal practice, Flora is giving back in the Warren County community, helping in the schools, charities, and fundraising events. If you’ve been out and about, you might have seen her law firm’s mascots, Poppy and Pixie, the raccoons. She has donated over $200,000 to charities and fundraisers over the years including: BG OnStage, Kiwanis Club, Stuff the Bus, Lions Club, Toys for Tots for Southern KY, International Center of KY, Band Together BG, Poppy Field Trips, Thunderfest, Holy Spirit Catholic Church, South Central KY Kids on the Block, Operation Stand Down, Buddy Walk, and Save Our Kids Coalition.
Nursing home abuse may be physical, sexual, emotional, or financial. Here are some common signs of nursing home abuse and neglect. Be aware of any of the conditions listed below and document these conditions with photos:
Physical Abuse
Emotional Abuse
Financial Abuse
When a loved one is placed in a nursing home, you expect that person will receive excellent care. Sometimes nursing home employees act in a careless, reckless or negligent way resulting in injury to your loved one. Abuse and neglect could be intentional or accidental and could affect the resident physically, emotionally, or even financially.
Many things could indicate nursing home abuse or neglect including bruising, scarring, broken bones, torn clothing, broken personal items, poor hygiene, malnutrition/dehydration, unexplained weight loss/inability to eat, infections, bed sores, medication errors, confinement or restraint, unusual bank account or credit card activity, stolen cash or personal property, etc.
Take all abuse and neglect allegations seriously – even minor ones. The small things you notice – bruising, missing money, or unusual/sudden social withdrawal – could be indications of larger issues. Take photos of any injuries, write down names and phone numbers of witnesses and employees who saw the abuse, and contact an attorney who handles nursing home abuse claims.
You should report all suspected cases of nursing home abuse or neglect to the Department of Social Services in your community. You can also contact Kentucky’s Adult Protective Services or visit www.aoa.acl.gov for more information.
The statute of limitations varies from state to state, but it is typically one year from the time of the injury. Remember that nursing home abuse cases can be very complex and require investigation before a claim can be filed. If a loved one shows signs of abuse or neglect, contact an attorney immediately for a case review to see if you have a claim.
There are state and federal laws relating to the treatment of nursing home residents. These facilities are required by law to uphold strict standards for treatment of each resident. Kentucky’s Nursing Home Residents’ Bill of Rights was passed to protect the liberties of nursing home residents in regards to communication, visitation, and compensation for negligent care. The Department of Health and Human Services has many tools available to aid in your search for a quality nursing facility.
The Law Firm of Flora Templeton Stuart handles nursing home abuse and neglect cases on a contingency fee basis. That means we only get paid from your recovery. Call us for a free case consultation.
Nursing home abuse and neglect is tragic and should not occur. If you suspect that your loved one has suffered a personal injury due to negligent care at their nursing home or by an in-home healthcare worker, call nursing home abuse lawyer Flora Templeton Stuart. You should also report instances of nursing home abuse to your local Department of Social Services. Visit the National Center on Elder Abuse or the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services for information.
Although you have one year from the date of the abuse to file your nursing home abuse or neglect claim, you should not wait that long. A timely investigation is critical to a successful claim because we must locate potential witnesses and preserve evidence. Attorney Flora Templeton Stuart is an experienced nursing home injury attorney and is not afraid to stand up to large nursing home corporations.
If your loved one has suffered nursing home neglect or abuse, call Flora Templeton Stuart Accident Injury Lawyers at 888-782-9090. Remember, at our firm we pride ourselves on commitment to our clients, experience, and obtaining the results our clients deserve. Visit our FAQ or blog for more information on nursing home neglect and abuse.