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Delaware Elder/Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

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While nursing home abuse is not as common in the state of Delaware as in other states across the U.S. , Delaware has nevertheless introduced numerous bills to curb incidents of elder/nursing home abuse.

Unfortunately, reports of nursing home abuse are far too high across America overall. The National Center on Elder Abuse reports that more than 50% of America's 18,000+ nursing homes are understaffed. This can lead to stress and frustration among staff members which, coupled with numerous other factors, may lead to elder/nursing home abuse. Abuse is estimated to occur in around 30% of all nursing homes across America.

In 2003 a 72-year-old man was killed by the improper insertion of a feeding tube into his abdominal cavity instead of his stomach in a Delaware nursing home. After the feeding tube had become dislodged, a nurse inaccurately replaced the tube instead of taking the man to the hospital for emergency care. Cases like this show just how vulnerable nursing home residents can be.

Elder/nursing home abuse presents itself in many different forms, ranging from physical, sexual, and psychological abuse to malnutrition, financial exploitation, and pure neglect. If you suspect that you or someone you love has been abused or mistreated in a nursing home, contact a Delaware elder/nursing home abuse lawyer or attorney immediately.

All nursing home or elder care facilities have an obligation to protect the rights of every single resident, and to provide an attractive, clean, and healthy environment. They are also obligated to treat residents equally, with no discrimination based on race, religion, color, nationality, ability or source of payment. Nursing home facilities are required by federal law to compose a Nursing Home Resident's Bill of Rights, which they are also required to make available to any resident upon request. The Bill of Rights outlines all policies of the specific nursing home, and each facility must require residents to sign a statement, indicating they have read and understood these rights, before admittance. Specific rights include the right to be informed about one's specific medical condition and treatment, the right to participate in planning one's care and medical treatment, the right to choose a physician, the right to manage personal finances, the right to privacy, dignity, and respect, the right to personal possessions, the right to be free from restraints and abuse in nursing homes, the right to voice grievance without retaliation, the right to be discharged or transferred only for medical reasons, and the rights of access.
If you or someone you love has suffered any type of abuse at the hands of another resident, you should also contact a civil lawyer or attorney if you are seeking damages outside of the facility.

There are some signs and symptoms that can provide evidence of elder abuse or neglect. The more visible signs of abuse include bruises, broken bones, cuts, scars and bedsores. The signs of neglect may be a bit harder to notice because the injuries aren't as readily apparent. Neglect includes providing insufficient food and water, inadequate attention to hygiene in residents who are not self-sufficient, inadequate medical care, and failure to assist residents who have mobility issues.

A Delaware elder/nursing home abuse lawyer or attorney will schedule a consultation with you in order to evaluate your case, explain your legal rights, and assess any damages they feel you are entitled to as a result of any abuse or neglect caused by a Delaware nursing home. An elder/nursing home abuse lawyer or attorney will also be well-versed in both state and federal laws, and will be able to argue your case effectively.

If you are ready to contact a Delaware elder/nursing home abuse lawyer or attorney, visit the American Bar Association website and use the lawyer locator. Access to the site is free.